Business Park rail link proves a winner
One of South Waikato’s biggest exporters is loving sending stock by rail to the Port of Tauranga.
The rail link at Tokoroa’s Maraetai Rd Intermodal Business Park saves time, reduces the carbon footprint and keeps trucks off the roads, according to an Olam Food Ingredients boss.
Work to clear older disused buildings at the $20 million commercial and industrial business park began late last year and sections - ranging in size from 1696m² to two hectares - are now on sale.
Olam Food Ingredients (OFI) New Zealand operations director Paul Rennie said the global food products producer has just sent its first containers to the Port of Tauranga from the site.
“Since establishing ourselves in Tokoroa, our intention has always been to prioritise working with local businesses ... and one of the key reasons we chose to partner with Lincoln Logistics is their ability to efficiently transport our product to Tauranga via rail.”
Rennie said rail had numerous advantages and “using local infrastructure provides the quickest and most efficient transport option”.
“It also reduces our carbon footprint compared to road transportation and helps ease congestion by keeping trucks off the roads.” He said having the Kinleith mill as a significant industrial presence nearby had “enhanced the security and reliability of our rail connection”.
South Waikato District Council economic development manager Paul Bowden said the council-led business hub project aimed at enhancing economic growth in the region and would generate between 150 to 200 new jobs.
Each of the 13 fully serviced lots for sale have freight access through an adjoining freight terminal.The $20 million intermodal (road and rail) business park is jointly funded by the council, which has invested $9 million, and Kānoa, the Government’s Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit, with a $3 million grant.
Bowden said the remaining funds would be recouped from property sales.
The council’s project manager Joanne Salvacion said work was on schedule to be completed by late April or early May next year, and following site clearance, workers were now levelling the site.
“As we enter the next phase of development, our focus remains on ensuring that every aspect of the business park meets the highest standards.”
The council’s acting executive manager for delivery, Nick Murphy, said the park is expected to become a key driver of economic activity within the district.
"This project is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the South Waikato District Council and our partners in driving forward sustainable economic growth.” He said the business park reflected the council’s commitment to creating an environment conducive to sustainable economic growth and “we look forward to its positive impact on our region”.
Also partnering in the development are local iwi Ngāti Raukawa, the South Waikato Pacific Island Community Service Trust, Cook Island Society, consultants and contractors Camex, and engineers and surveyors Harrison Grierson.