Our Construction Law team was pleased to play a key role in contract drafting and strategy for our long-term client, Watercare, to establish its Assets Upgrade and Renewals (AUR) Framework, that will see $3.5 billion of proactive infrastructure investment over ten years. 

Auckland Council-owned body, Watercare announced last week that it has appointed 19 contractors and consultants to work on the first half of the decade-long programme to replace ageing water and wastewater pipes and upgrade pump stations and treatment plants. 

In accordance with its target of having 5% of its annual total spend with Māori businesses by 2025, Watercare established a Māori Supplier Business Network consisting of 15 suppliers to provide services such as traffic management, electrical and scaffolding. 

Simpson Grierson’s Construction Group leader, Michael Weatherall, says: “Our work involved strategic procurement advice, and enabling Watercare to implement an innovative and effective contractual scheme for the engagement of its AUR network of contractors and consultants to bring its planned water infrastructure investment to fruition.

“The AUR framework is a significant piece of work because it supports our client’s biggest investment to date in proactive replacement of assets, with the aim of having fewer leaks, outages and wastewater overflows in Auckland.”

Michael Weatherall advised Watercare with Senior Associate Christine Gordon, assisted by Senior Solicitor Zachary Katene.