Media release 27 January 2004
Govt. buildings should be environmentally and economically responsible
Kiwi businesses hope the new nine-story building being constructed in Thorndon for the Ministry for the Environment will
use New Zealand-made fittings and furniture, says Business NZ Chief Executive, Simon Carlaw.
The building is required to meet environmental sustainability criteria. Mr Carlaw wonders whether economic
sustainability is also part of the brief, with New Zealand rather than overseas businesses being used for the fit out.
"While it is an interesting observation on the Wellington economy, in that another new building is for a public sector
tenant, we understand that environmental consultants are being used to ensure the building measures up from an
environmental perspective," Mr Carlaw said.
"Will Buy NZ Made also be consulted, to ensure the building also measures up in terms of providing work for Kiwi
companies? Certainly we would expect the Ministry register the project with the Industry Capability Network, to ensure
the best possible return to the economy for the taxpayers' investment."
ENDS