The Director-General of the Department of Conservation is seeking Request for Proposals to identify a nominated supplier for the supply of MCA treated timber products required for a 1.7km boardwalk to be built in the Waipoua Forest as part Phase Two of the Rākau Rangatira project.

Rākau Rangatira is a significant infrastructure project that seeks to protect the health of Waipoua Forest from the effects of tourism at the icon site which includes Tāne Mahuta, Te Matua Ngahere and other kauri giants, delivered in partnership with Te Iwi O Te Roroa.

The impacts of Kauri dieback disease (KDB), visitor safety and better recognition and promotion of cultural values of the forest are the core drivers, with Forest Health First being the overarching principle of the project.

Phase One of the project has been completed in 2024, when the end-of-life visitor infrastructure at Tāne Mahuta was replaced. Phase Two of the project will be focussed on a new boardwalk at Kauri Walks leading to Te Matua Ngahere (believed to be the second largest Kauri tree in New Zealand) and other kauri giants, including the Four Sisters.

Goods required includes supply of approximately 2,000 round 150-diameter MCA H5 treated timber posts for the boardwalk piles, approximately 16,000m of 50mm x 250mm structurally graded (SG8) MCA H4 timber for the boardwalk substructure, and approximately 2,000m of 50mm x 200mm MCA treated H4 decking timber for the viewing platforms.

The goal is to ensure a secure, stable supply chain by setting clear timelines for delivery, agree on quality standards and testing requirements, fixed pricing to avoid cost volatility in materials, and define responsibility for delays or defects, potentially with liquidated damages.

The Supplier will be responsible for delivering the materials on time and in accordance with quality standards and warranties specified by the Department. A clear process for resolving any material defects or manufacturing will be detailed within the construction contract.

Participants are invited to attend a online supplier briefing with the Department. The purpose of the online briefing is to discuss the Department’s requirements and provide a forum for questions and answers. Participants wishing to attend the supplier briefing must email their Supplier Briefing Registration Form to the designated contact to tenders@doc.govt.nz by the deadline shown in section 1.4 of this RFP.