8 Mar 2013

Govt procurement to be more NZ-friendly

9:20 pm on 8 March 2013

The Government is changing procurement rules so it is easier for New Zealand companies to win work contracts.

In February this year, the Australian government announced a plan to put domestic suppliers first.

Manufacturing companies have told an opposition inquiry that Government rules are locking them out of public sector contracts.

Economic Development Minister Steven Joyce said he will soon releases changes which make tendering more worthwhile for New Zealand companies.

He said the changes include consulting in advance with businesses and taking into account the whole-of-life costs of a project.

Labour said the changes come too late for many companies.

More on the manufacturing crisis debate can be heard on Insight during Radio New Zealand's Sunday Morning programme.