Major civil services and resources contractor Fulton Hogan is planning a branch office in Wairoa after being awarded a $2.6 million "3 waters" Wairoa District Council contract ahead of council-owned QRS.
Fulton Hogan has already advertised for five new staff to be based in the town, with a two-year contract looking after the town's sewage, storm water and drinking water services, with two two-year rights of renewal.
The company had in 2013, in a previous contract with the Wairoa District Council, completed the Mahia community wastewater scheme, including a new pump station, emergency storage and construction of treatment ponds and associated pipe work servicing 300 properties.
East Coast regional manager Andrew Harvey said it's a significant development and will build on an existing base in Gisborne, where the company, which has bases with a total of 5400 staff throughout New Zealand, Australia and the South Pacific manages the "3 waters" contract for the Gisborne District Council.
"We have a lot of experience in delivering the infrastructure needed for a secure, safe water supply," Mr Harvey said. "We will bring technology and skills from our substantial water business, including electronic reporting and a comprehensive asset management system."