Rural Contractors NZ
The Registered Contractor scheme run by Rural Contractors NZ has been relaunched. RCNZ - Rural Contractors NZ - CEO Andrew Olsen says his organisation ran the ruler over whether to continue with Registered Contractor amid falling numbers but his Board has affirmed that a scheme supporting a higher standard deserved to be retained.
“Given there were now other commercial accreditation options and a decline in Registered Contractor numbers, we openly canvassed if we should continue and, if so, how could we make it more efficient, affordable and cut out duplication? It’s encouraging that in announcing the launch of the updated scheme over a dozen RCNZ members have jumped on the opportunity.”
Registered Contractor 2.0 ensures a contractor is meeting its statutory and regulatory responsibilities to reduce risk to them, their staff and clients and minimise their exposure to liability in employment, health and safety and other areas. Upon approval, a business is designated a “Registered Contractor” for the period of the external accreditation and is encouraged to use this endorsement in its marketing.
Andrew Olsen says post-Covid; the Government had stood up its own accreditation scheme but it’s roadmap also indicated it may look in the future to industry organisations to step in to the accreditation space as was the case pre-Covid.
“That’s why it’s incumbent upon RCNZ to make sure the scheme is fit for purpose and ready when the government acts.”
He says Registered Contractor 2.0 is run by RCNZ for its members at no additional cost.
“My Board is of the view this is a small administrative price for us to meet so as to endorse a higher standard of rural contracting for our members.”
He says RCNZ is continually assessing the value of its membership services.
“We deliver the fullest range of services possible for about the cost of a cup of coffee and scone each week. Our membership base is strong, supportive and fully deserving of innovation. We also welcome new members and any rural contracting businesses interested in joining up can get in touch for a chat about what we offer.”
