QRS Wairoa staff face job losses

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

POSSIBLE job losses at Wairoa’s second largest employer have been labelled an “unpleasant” necessity.

Quality Roading and Services Wairoa this week proposed a new, "significant" restructure to its operations to help the raoding company win contracts and to keep operating with 20 job roles expected to be affected.

QRS chief executive Nigel Pollock said staff at the company, which is the second largest employer in Wairoa, were being supported through a consultation process by workplace wellness company Vitae, after they learned about the proposed restructure at a special meeting on Wednesday.

“This will be a difficult period of uncertainty for some staff and we want to offer as much support as practical during this time.”

The proposed restructure could affect 20 management, operational and administration staff. The proposal suggests some roles be disestablished and other roles change.

However, there would be some opportunities for re-employment.

QRS is a civil contracting company wholly owned by the Wairoa District Council.

Mr Pollock says the proposed restructure is in response to three years disappointing financial performance, and company inefficiencies.

“We’re delivering fit-for-purpose road maintenance at a time when costs are high and uncertain, the weather is unpredictable, and there’s increased heavy vehicles on the road.”

“But the business environment we operate in demands we do better. We can do things more efficiently, like having more staff focusing on strategic planning, and less replication and more consistency in our processes.”

“A realignment of some functions, a reorganisation of some roles, and streamlining of activities, will improve our current performance. We want to make sure all employees understand and can meet the goals of the organisation.”

The proposed changes would be “significant” and staff have a week to give their feedback.

“Our staff are the driving force behind our company and nothing has been finalised. We encourage staff to give us their full and frank feedback.”

Staff will learn of the final outcome by the end of October. If a new structure does proceed, this is expected to be in place by December.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little acknowledged that QRS has started the process to optimise its capacity, and concentrate on what makes it “ a great asset to this community”.

He also recongised the need for the company to improve efficiency.

“In today’s business environment, the only constant is change. Changing with the times means that companies like QRS are seeking to become more efficient and effective.

“QRS continues to support the council through land, business and visitor opportunities; and is always there to keep our roads open when we have significant weather events.

“WDC has a great relationship with QRS – one that is based on a spirit of goodwill and cooperation.

“Broken roads mean a broken economy, and QRS keeps Wairoa moving.

“QRS is delivering road maintenance services at a difficult time, and contributes hundreds of thousands of dollars to Wairoa in ways many might not realise. I think it’s great that QRS initiated this process to be more competitive in the market, and I would like to acknowledge the work QRS also does towards enhancing our district.”

Mr Little said that although QRS was council-owned, it did not influence any of its operations.

“It’s an unpleasant task to be involved in a restructure, and I give credit to the new CEO for making some tough decisions in the short time he has been there.”