Waikato is a key strategic logistics hub for the upper North Island. More than three million people live and work in the ‘Golden Triangle’ of Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, and Waikato’s processing capabilities are a significant supporting factor for a range of economic activities across the wider region.
Freight and Logistics in the Waikato
Waikato is a main thoroughfare for goods being distributed around New Zealand and internationally.
The region is ideally placed to service key export industries, with nationally significant ports at Auckland and Tauranga, and Auckland Airport all within 90 minutes’ drive. Inland ports have also recently been opened near Hamilton to further add to Waikato’s logistics capabilities.
Waikato experiences significant freight volume all across the region, and road and rail infrastructure is helping to both increase the capacity of the network and improve supply chain resilience by improving transport bottlenecks.
Why Waikato?
Freight volumes in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty are expected to grow significantly by 2030, with forecast projections suggesting anywhere between 47-65% on previous levels. Simultaneously, the local freight and logistics workforce is projected to grow by 12.4% from 2021 to 2026.
High international and domestic demand for goods only heightens the need for smooth, seamless last mile and logistics services. Waikato has ample industrial-zoned land for warehousing and logistics.
Waikato’s road network continues to undergo major transformation. The recent Waikato Expressway has significantly improved travel times to Auckland, and the completion of the Hamilton section has decreased travel times between Auckland and Cambridge and into Hamilton. There is opportunity for the Expressway to be expanded further south and to the east to improve roading connections to the Bay of Plenty.
Further big-ticket infrastructure investment has been earmarked for the near future, due to the priority that’s been given on increasing Waikato’s capacity in the sector.
Te Waka and Freight and Logistics
Te Waka has played a leading role in helping to develop the freight and logistics industry with the development of the 2022 Freight Action Plan. The Plan highlights the growth potential for the industry, and outlines key enablers for realising that potential.
The Freight Action Plan identified eight key actions for the sector moving forward, and Te Waka’s goal is to smooth the road for these important industry markers.
Related Content
The Ruakura Superhub was completed in 2022. The inland port was established near Hamilton to help to ease the load on site at the Port of Tauranga, unlocking added economic activity and increasing the overall capacity of the port itself. Click here to find out more.
Read Freight and Logistics Sector News
-
Transport infrastructure consultation: giving the Waikato a voice
Te Waka is set to submit on the Draft 2024 Transport Government Policy Statement (GPS) which sets out the Government’s transport priorities and guides investment in our transport infrastructure.
-
Rising to the Regional Growth Challenge
Te Waka recently hosted the Infrastructure Commission to discuss how the Waikato, and Aotearoa at large, can rise to the regional growth challenge. The Waikato is growing. Opportunities are knocking at our door and we need to position ourselves to capitalise on these when they appear. For General Manager Economic Development Rosie Spragg, the visit from the Infrastructure Commission reinforced the fact that we are at a crucial turning point for the future of our region and its ongoing growth.
-
The Ōtorohanga Livestock Carrier making moo-ves on social media to attract fresh talent
The Ōtorohanga Transport Ltd Group began in 1963 when the Barker and Dow families formed Otorohanga Transport Ltd (OTL). Jim and Bev Barker, and Dennis and Cynthia Dow, developed the business and collaborated with other local carriers servicing the livestock cartage market.
-
$37 million funding confirmed to improve Hamilton travel options
A $37 million package of upgrades has been given the go-ahead to improve biking, walking and public transport options in Hamilton.
-
Connecting local people with local jobs: meeting Waikato’s workforce demands in the freight and logistics sector
Waikato is the heart of the Golden Triangle, with significant volumes of freight generated from and passing through the region daily. With investment in major freight and logistics assets such as the Ruakura Inland Port and strong forecast population growth in the region, the freight and logistics sector is expected to be an important source of growth for the Waikato.