A freshly inked contract between Carterton District Council and civil contractor G&C Diggers completes a deal that commits significant investment to our infrastructure and local business.

The contract was signed by Paul Smart, G&C’s Owner/Manager, and Geoff Hamilton, Chief Executive of CDC, at the company’s Clareville headquarters.

Mayor Hon. Ron Mark was also in attendance to celebrate the occasion.

“Just like Carterton, the agreement shows small is beautiful. Of the three companies that tendered, G&C won on merit.

“They also have the added benefit of being local. That means they have locals on the ground; they understand the people they are working with; and the community they are working in and for.

“We are always delighted to see local success stories for Carterton. This contract creates surety of long-term work for a Carterton-based team and sustainable jobs for Wairarapa people.

“I could not be more pleased with this fantastic outcome for G&C Diggers, and our community.”

The deal covers projects for three waters infrastructure renewals in Carterton District for an initial five-year period, with options for extension.

Mr. Hamilton said the agreement ensured CDC’s work programme for three waters projects was secure.

“We expect the contract and legislation will ensure water services in our District. Whatever the future brings, the work programme should be secure. Our partnership creates a defined work plan with commitments and the will to deliver for our community.

“We followed a thorough procurement process and contract negotiation, which was one of the areas of improvement the Council has made in the last 12 months following the independent review of the recent project.

But Mayor Mark said he was happy that the review’s findings were being built upon.

“Our approach to this procurement removed the significant administrative overhead burden and is an extension of continuous improvement in service delivery and procurement practices.

“This contract shows the benefit of sound procurement practice while also being fair to the market.”

Business owners Paul Smart and Mark Dennes bought the business from founders Gavin Dennes and Christine Adams in 2020. Gavin and Christine moved to Clareville in 2011 after growing G&C in Martinborough and Masterton.

Paul and Mark lead a team of 12 loyal, Wairarapa-based staff from their Carterton base.

“We pride ourselves on being professional, completing jobs to a very high standard, and working collaboratively with customers to ensure we meet their needs,” Paul said.

Carterton folk can expect to see G&C Diggers on projects around town soon. Council will consider the renewed works programme for discussion and approval at its Ordinary Meeting on Wednesday, March 29.