The jetsam of Delta's unsuccessful expansion drive are washing up online, as the company sells off the remains of its failed Christchurch civil construction business.
The leftover tools, equipment and vehicles are being auctioned on the internet site Trade Me, as the company seeks to recoup some of the $2 million it poured into equipment for its failed Christchurch operation.
A single user, ''jimupston'', has listed more than 60 items for sale ''on behalf of S[outh] Island-wide civil contracting entity changing business direction''.
That included everything from tyres and ladders to plate compactors and pipe lasers, with bids so far ranging from a few dollars to more than $2000.
However, the most popular - and expensive - items appeared to be a fleet of five late-model Ford Ranger utility vehicles.
The vehicles, of 2009 to 2011 vintage, had so far attracted bids of between $20,000 and $27,000 each.
The auctions were due to close between late yesterday and next Wednesday.
Delta chief executive Grady Cameron confirmed the items - including vehicles with company logos already removed - were from the Christchurch civil construction operation.
Other items - including trucks, excavators and front-end loaders - were also to be sold, as the company attempted to recoup some of the $2 million it invested in vehicles, tools and other equipment, he said.
The company's depot would not be sold as it was only leased, he said.
Delta had recruited Jim Upston, the owner of Christchurch-based auctioneers AVB Group, to sell the items, who had opted to list them online, Mr Cameron said.
It was hoped the sale process would take about two months.
Amalgamated Workers' Union New Zealand (Southern) secretary Calvin Fisher said he doubted the company's investment would ever be recouped.
Companies that had managed to secure work in Christchurch already had the equipment to do the job, he said.
