Funding approved for NZ inland port

Approximately NZ$20m has been approved in principle for the development of Napier Port’s 12ha inland port at Whakatu, situated between Napier and Hastings in the centre of Hawke’s Bay’s future industrial hub.

The Government funding, subject to further due diligence and contract negotiations, and combined with a contribution from Napier Port, will fund the first phase of the development including: paving, the reopening of the neighbouring rail siding and potentially the construction of a cool store, cross dock or warehouse.

Napier Port chief executive, Todd Dawson, said: “The Whakatu Inland Port is a vital piece of infrastructure that will provide Napier Port with capacity to meet the regional growth expected within Hawke’s Bay and beyond.

“It is strategically located within the Whakatu Industrial zone, in the heart of the Hawke’s Bay pipfruit industry, with direct rail and road connections to Napier Port and the lower North Island.

“It will provide efficiencies for exporters with reduced trucking distances and greater flexibility in container storage for both exports and imports. It will also consolidate operations pivotal to local supply chains in one location and avoid unnecessary and inefficient duplication of facilities.

“In short, the Government’s funding of this project has the potential to accelerate growth in the region for the benefit of all. Napier Port see this as a great initiative and a real boost to the economic development of Hawke’s Bay and the lower North Island in the wake of the ongoing impacts of COVID-19. We are looking forward to getting started on this project and thank the Government for its support.”