Steel Industry Poised To Gain Under New Government Procurement Rules

New Zealand’s 5th edition of the Government Procurement Rules (GPR) will come into force on December 1, thus initiating major changes in how public agencies source goods, services and construction. The changes are intended to simplify procurement, level the playing field for local suppliers and deliver broader economic outcomes. In particular, a new mandatory “economic benefit to New Zealand” test will apply to every procurement process. This means that when government agencies decide who to buy from, they must assess the wider benefit to New Zealand, alongside traditional factors such as price and quality. According to the Minister for Economic Growth, Nicola Willis, this change is designed not only to give New Zealand businesses a fair chance to win contracts, but also to ensure taxpayer money is spent responsibly and efficiently, while maintaining public trust. The economic benefit assessment.