Tainui Group Holdings (TGH) has announced that global transport and logistics leader Maersk will establish a new coldstore facility at the Ruakura Superhub.
Tainui Group Holdings has entered an agreement with Maersk for the long-term ground lease of 4.5ha in the logistics hub adjacent to the Ruakura Inland Port.
The Mearsk facility will include a new, purpose-built 16,000m2 coldstore facility to be constructed by Maersk to a Greenstar 5 sustainability rating.
“Recent history shows the need for resilient supply chains and we’re delighted that Maersk has chosen to develop its new facility at Ruakura Superhub,” said Tainui Group Holdings chair and Te Arataura member Hinerangi Raumati-Tu’ua.
“When this new facility opens in late 2023 it will help ensure the best possible local and global connections for New Zealand exporters and importers. Maersk has also expressed an intention to work with us to create meaningful employment opportunities for members of our iwi,” she said.
Maersk’s said its commitment to achieve a Greenstar 5 rating for the building is a good fit for Ruakura.
The shift of cargoes from road and on to rail is projected to take 65,000 truck journeys off roads when the Ruakura Inland Port is fully established. Ruakura includes provision for future solar generation and electricity microgrids. The precinct includes a 10ha wetland and more than 1 million native plants in the 92ha first stage of the 490ha development.
Henrik Jensen, managing director of Maersk Oceania said the cold storage facility will cater for both national and international supply chains.
“We firmly believe it will enable us to be flexible and agile in our operations to ensure that we can match customers’ needs with seasonal demand,” he said.
Chris Joblin, chief executive of TGH, added: “As a truly global player, Maersk brings the serious scale and global transport connections which will confirm the role of Ruakura Superhub as a key node for New Zealand’s supply chain.
“Their presence will have many synergies for the other significant logistics and distribution businesses who have either confirmed a move to the Ruakura Superhub or are still planning to do so,” he said.
Ruakura Superhub, which is recognised by the New Zealand Government as a project of national significance, is one of the country’s largest developments. It spans logistics, industrial, retail and residential development areas. Located at an emerging ‘sweet spot’ for New Zealand’s supply chain, it will be anchored by a 30ha inland port, with the first 17ha of this also set for an official opening as part of Stage 1 in the third quarter of this year.
Previously confirmed partners and tenants at Ruakura Superhub include the Port of Tauranga, PBT Express Freight Network, Waitomo Group and Big Chill.
