Rule 3:
Non-discrimination and offsets
Explains why you can’t have offsets in the procurement process and defines some ways in which agencies must not discriminate against suppliers.
- All suppliers must be given an equal opportunity to bid for contracts. Agencies must treat suppliers from another country no less favourably than New Zealand suppliers.
- Procurement decisions must be based on the best public value, over the whole-of-life of the goods, services or works.
- Suppliers must not be discriminated against because of:
- the country the goods, services or works come from
- their degree of foreign ownership or foreign business affiliations.
- An agency must not ask for, take account of, or impose any offset at any stage in a procurement process.
More information on non-discrimination
Rule 3 contains the expression 'must treat suppliers from another country no less favourably than New Zealand suppliers.'
This means a supplier will be assessed on their merits. It does not prevent you from awarding a contract to a New Zealand supplier if they present the best public value, inclusive of any broader outcomes sought as part of the tender process.