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April 2021

In this newsletter we keep you informed about conversations that are happening across the public sector that focus on procurement. We welcome your feedback and suggestions for stories to include in upcoming editions.

In this newsletter:

Procurement assurance

The Government’s response to COVID-19 required a number of new procurement measures to be put in place. One of those measures was the assurance function, which will identify and mitigate procurement system risks, and recommend remedial action where required.

Read more on the procurement assurance

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Progressive procurement guidance for mandated agencies

We are working in partnership with Te Puni Kōkiri (TPK) to develop a progressive procurement policy which will increase the diversity of government suppliers. The policy focusses initially on Māori businesses.

Read more on the progressive procurement guidance for mandated agencies

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Digital procurement tools workshops

We are currently working on giving agencies access to a suite of e-procurement tools, which will make it easier for government and suppliers to do business.

As part of this work, representatives from about 40 agencies recently joined workshops to help us understand what they wanted from a new panel of digital procurement tools to support their agencies’ procurement processes. Over 5 days and 18 sessions, we received more than 700 post-it notes!

Read more on the digital procurement tools workshops

If you’re interested in participating in any of the online sessions, please register your interest with our systems team, by Wednesday 28 April and we will send you the details on how to participate.

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Carbon neutral government a step closer

The Government is rolling out its plan for a carbon neutral public sector by 2025 by committing funding to a range of clean energy projects, including coal boiler replacements at ten schools, the Minister for Climate Change James Shaw announced on 13 April at Pukerua Bay School.  You can read more about the new State Sector Decarbonisation Fund below.

Read more on the Carbon Neutral Government a step closer

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Demystifying Procurement workshops head to Christchurch


The procurement team at University of Canterbury (UC) recently called on us to run Demystifying Procurement (DP) workshops for their procurement, finance and property teams. The UC Procurement team had just completed a review of their procurement policy to reflect their University’s strategy to support the local economy and environment. The workshops were to help the UC teams refresh their knowledge and set the scene for the work they were doing.


Read more on the Demystifying Procurement workshops head to Christchurch

Upcoming Demystifying Procurement workshops

We are working on bringing in-person DP workshops to Auckland, Hamilton and other parts of the South Island later this year.

If you have a group of 16-20 people at your agency who are interested in attending a DP workshop, we can support you. Express your interest on Hīkina.

Demystifying Procurement is also available as online modules on Hīkina.

Upcoming workshops in Wellington

19 May 1-4pm

17 June 1-4pm

Both of these workshops will be held at Pastoral House, 25 The Terrace. Register for them on Hīkina.

Hīkina

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Building capability PCI workshop

The Electricity Authority, Health and Disability Commissioner, Maritime New Zealand, Ministry for Culture and Heritage, Ministry for the Environment, Ministry for Pacific Peoples and Worksafe met at a workshop held in March to discuss initiatives to grow agency procurement capability.

Procurement practitioners at these agencies had all indicated, through their 2020 procurement capability index (PCI) submission, a desire to network and learn how to lift their agency capability in a group setting. Those who attended were able to talk about the barriers for success and share learnings from their agencies, especially on what has worked.

Read more on building capability PCI workshop

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Graduate Programme seeking host agencies

We are seeking host agencies for the August 2021 – February 2022 rotation of our Graduate Programme, which helps develop tomorrow’s procurement leaders and provides a pool of talent for government.

If you are interested in hosting a NZGP procurement graduate for the August 2021 – February 2022 rotation, please email Parveen Dushila with your interest or any questions regarding the graduate programme by 14 May 2021.

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Broader Outcomes working group

The Broader Outcomes Hapori was set up to enable collaboration across agencies to uplift sector capability for broader outcomes. It consists of a community of procurement practitioners working together as a cross-government broader outcomes working group.

The aim is to drive greater diversity and help embed broader outcomes into government procurement. It also provides a forum for passionate members to contribute to these key areas of interest.

Read more on the Broader Outcomes working group

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Construction Sector Accord Beacon Projects

Progressive Employment Programme intern at City Rail Link’s Aotea Station worksite

The Construction Sector Accord (the Accord) is a genuine partnership between industry and government that is working to fix many of the issues and challenges facing the construction sector through its three-year Transformation Plan. The Beacons programme is the shining light of the Transformation Plan, showcasing projects industry-wide that are taking risks and trying new approaches for a better performing sector.

Over the last year, the Beacons team have been engaging with people across the construction industry to find out what good practice is taking place, and how it can be shared to support the Accord objectives and Transformation Plan.

Read more on the Construction Sector Accord Beacon Projects along with case studies

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For more information about anything in this newsletter please email the Procurement team.