Local Employment And Supply Crucial For ‘Game Changing’ Northland Projects
by Northland NZ · SCOOPConfirmation that two major projects are going ahead in Te Tai Tokerau is being described as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity for growing regional employment, local suppliers and businesses by NorthChamber and Northland NZ.
Work officially got underway on the Whangārei Hospital redevelopment this week and follows news that a contactor for the Warkworth to Te Hana section of the Northland Expressway has been confirmed.
The hospital redevelopment is expected to contribute $233 million to Northland's GDP and support more than 2700 full-time equivalent jobs through construction and associated industries . The final project cost of the section of Northland Expressway is expected to be $3.6 billion. In addition, approximately $166m has been spent recently on five infrastructure projects at Whangārei Hospital.
Tim Robinson, NorthChamber Interim CEO, is calling for minimum levels of local employment and supply of construction materials and resources to be included in the contracts of the e latest two projects.
“Specifying the local supply of labour and materials has been a feature of previous government contracts , and we urge the respective ministers and their officials to include it in these two very important, large-scale contracts. This is a once-in-a generation opportunity for local businesses and people to participate in what will be game-changing projects for the region.”
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The scale of investment coming into Northland creates a significant opportunity to build lasting regional capability , but large contracts like this need an active local procurement process that is measurable, says Paul Linton, Northland NZ’s CEO.
“Northland NZ has long argued for infrastructure investment in Te Tai Tokerau, and it ’s great to see that investment arriving. However, the way these projects are delivered will determine whether local businesses, workers and communities genuinely share in the benefits. If we get this right, we will grow more than new assets. We will grow businesses, Māori enterprise, skills, household incomes and regional resilience, while creating pathways for our young people into long-term employment.”
A willing and able pool of prospective construction workers combined with a renewed NorthTec is a winning formula for Te Tai Tokerau, adds Tim Robinson.
“We can offer qualified construction workers immediately to fulfil the lead contractors’ requirements , as well as offering locally-owned building supply companies new opportunities to fulfil these contracts.”
NorthChamber is actively working with businesses and agencies such as the Ministry for Social Development to ensure that a coordinated and compelling proposition is presented to lead contractors, which demonstrates local capability and the ability to deliver.
“We have a mandate to be part of the process and are looking forward to working with the respective ministers to achieve this. We all need to benefit from it.”
Notes
The additional projects referenced in this story at Whangārei Hospital were outlined by Hon Dr Shane Reti in a speech on Friday 11 Sept 2026. They are:
- The new paediatric facility, Te Kōtuku Extension - $50m
- The new whānau house located on the grounds of Whangārei Hospital, Whaea ō Te Iwi - $3m
- A new child health centre, Tira Ora - $35m
- A new Radiation Oncology Unit, Te Hihiri Whakahauora - $60m
- Car Park 14 extension - $18.5m.
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