​Local focus for Higgins in run up to roading contract start

This week senior staff from Higgins Contractors Limited met with Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson, councillors and chief executive Ross McNeil to outline their plans for the new Rangitikei roading contract, which starts 1 July.

Higgins’ Central Region General Manager Bryan Goldsack made a point of explaining his company’s philosophy and values, and the fact that Higgins have been operating as a roading company for over 55 years. He said Higgins has a strong family and community focus, and these values would be reflected in the way in which the company are approaching the contract, which covers the Rangitikei-Manawatu-Horowhenua districts.

Mr Goldsack made it clear that Higgins would be establishing two depots in the district – in Marton and Taihape, and needed to recruit local people to undertake the contract. This also extended to engaging and working with local businesses, as part of a ‘one team’ approach to be able to deliver the best outcomes for the Rangitikei and its ratepayers.

“We have placed ads in local papers seeking staff and inviting local businesses to contact us about the provision of products and services, and I expect many of the staff and local businesses involved in the current contract would pursue the opportunity to continue with Higgins”, said Mr Goldsack.

As a past Bulls resident, Mr Goldsack was very familiar with the district, and Higgins have the current roading contract for Manawatu as well as the contract with the NZ Transport Agency for the maintenance of the state highway network in the region. Mr Goldsack believed that his company’s extensive knowledge and experience will be well used, working across Rangitikei-Manawatu-Horowhenua, and would help achieve synergies and efficiencies not generally possible with a contract covering a single district.

Mayor Andy Watson and councillors were pleased with the approach Higgins were taking, particularly in relation to local staff recruitment and developing relationships with local businesses.

“Many of the concerns expressed in the media and by some locals are being addressed by the way in which Higgins are approaching this contract”, Mayor Watson said. “Having discussed these concerns with Mr Goldsack, I’m confident that we can transition to Higgins with confidence and that local employees and businesses are being encouraged to engage with the company in a positive way”.