Ruakura a feather in cap for a sustainable future
The Ruakura Superhub officially opened recently, and the development indicates a strong trend by business toward a more sustainable distribution model.
Deputy Prime Minister Grant Robertson said Ruakura Superhub is a superb example of the benefits to New Zealand when iwi and the Crown work together.
“This is due to the dogged determination and courageous investment by Waikato-Tainui and Tainui Group Holdings to continue to pursue the idea through a long period of minimal investment in the regions and long before most people had even heard of an inland port.”
But the benefits of Ruakura Superhub also go much wider, and the economies of the region and nation will all feel the positive impacts of the development. Commerce, jobs, efficiencies, homes, and environmental gains will all come from – in fact are already coming from – Ruakura Superhub.
Extensive planning has gone into making the superhub as sustainable as possible. Increased use of rail is forecast to reduce freight journeys. One million native plants are currently being cultivated and planted for the 10ha wetland and swales, and near-future plans include a microgrid of up to 5MW of solar photovoltaics.
The location of Ruakura at the intersection of key transport networks servicing the golden triangle, improved container efficiencies and the overall quality of the development is proving an attractive combination for major tenants. Over 70% of the Stage 1 logistics precinct is already leased or under-offer.
Maersk – scale and global connections
Maersk’s 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.
“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 says.
Henrik Jensen, managing director of Maersk Oceania comments: “From dairy and meat to seafood and fruits, the primary industry sector is key to drive the development of New Zealand’s economy. We are pleased to offer our customers innovative solutions and access to our integrated global network, through which we can contribute significantly to the country’s economic growth and bring new opportunities to the communities we are part of. This cold storage facility will cater for both national and international supply chains, and in conjunction with our extensive New Zealand ocean network connecting the world. 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,” says Jensen.
Kmart’s
Kmart New Zealand has a 40,000sqm distribution centre at Ruakura scheduled for operation in late 2023, servicing the needs of many customers in the North Island and beyond.
This new building will be one of the largest of its kind in New Zealand, spanning the area of four rugby fields, and has great due to the proximity to the inland port, rail and road connections. Alongside other global and national players set to commence operations at Ruakura in the next 24 months, this move endorses Ruakura and the region as the home of logistics.
The new Kmart distribution centre will be developed in line with the Greenstar 4 rating. Sustainability features will include solar panels generating up to 300kW of power, rainwater harvesting, onsite stormwater treatment, electronic vehicle charging stations, bike racks and end of trip facilities. Construction of the facility will include low VOC (volatile organic compound) paints, LED lighting, double glazing, HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) systems that use low emission refrigerants, and close to 20 per cent of the overall site will be landscaped.
“Kmart is confident that, along with our Christchurch distribution centre servicing the South Island, the new DC in Hamilton will ensure the business is well-placed to efficiently service our stores and customers across New Zealand and allow for further growth,” says John Gualtieri, Kmart chief executive officer.