Council would like feedback from the community regarding ‘Tautoko Wairoa’ where Council may seek to purchase goods and services locally.

Council currently uses the All-of-Government purchasing power where, like other Councils in the country, we are able to purchase goods and services at a highly discounted rate which can range from 10-80%. However, this means that we usually purchase goods and services from outside of our district.

The decision between buying in bulk to save money and supporting local businesses is a complex one that requires careful consideration of various factors. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages. Given Council’s interest in supporting local businesses, we seek the community’s feedback on purchasing goods and services locally or purchasing goods and services through the All-of -Government contract at a discounted rate.

This would not necessarily mean a wholesale shift in the way Council purchases its goods and services. It may be that we consider this on a case by case basis.

Council has a legislative responsibility to be financially prudent, but alongside this are Council’s legislative responsibilities to consider the four wellbeings, including economic wellbeing.

Is our community prepared to pay more for Council to purchase goods and services locally, thereby supporting local businesses or maintain the status quo and continue to purchase goods and services through the All-of-Government contract?

Option 1 - Maintain status quo

Council will continue to purchase goods and services through the All-of-Government contract and focus on being financially prudent.

Option 2 - Purchase from local business

Council will explore options to purchase locally. This will be treated on a case by case basis.