Safer Drinking Water in Schools (SDWS) Programme - Bundle 1 - Tairawhiti RFQ

The Ministry of Education is seeking tenders for the delivery of drinking water infrastructure upgrades across seven schools in the wider Ōpōtiki, Gisborne and East Coast region as part of the Safer Drinking Water in Schools (SDWS) Programme. The programme has been established to address drinking water compliance requirements under the Water Services Act 2021 and improve the safety, reliability and resilience of self-supplying school water systems. The seven schools included in this bundle are Hiruharama School, Putere School, Ruakituri School, Te Karaka Area School, Te Waha o Rerekohu Area School, Tikitiki School, and TKKM o Tokomaru. Works vary by school but generally include new treatment sheds, treated water storage tanks, telemetry systems, first flush diverters, leaf screens, sampling points, treatment equipment upgrades, associated pipework, electrical works, and commissioning activities. The Ministry has bundled the schools into a single procurement package to improve delivery efficiency and contractor mobilisation across the region. The successful contractor will be required to work within live school environments, minimise disruption to school operations, maintain strong health and safety practices, and coordinate closely with school stakeholders. Tender evaluation will be based on price (50%), proposed solution (20%), capability (10%), capacity (10%), and economic benefits (10%). Works are expected to commence in November 2026, with completion targeted by February 2027.