CentrePort has invested in a new regional hub in the Wairarapa.
The Waingawa log hub, near Masterton, supports the fast growing and valuable forestry sector through a reliable and cost effective transport connection, ensuring exporters remain internationally competitive.
Transport Minister Simon Bridges officially opened the venture this morning.
The project is the result of a successful partnership between Wellington’s port company CentrePort, Forest Enterprises Limited and Farman Turkington Forestry with the support of KiwiRail.
It is served by daily KiwiRail freight trains, connecting the Wairarapa region to CentrePort and to the world.
The development follows a period of sustained growth for the log trade in the Lower North Island.
Log volumes through CentrePort have grown by nearly 100% in the last five years, with further increases forecasted as a large volume of trees in the region reach maturity.
CentrePort Chief Executive, Derek Nind said, “the Waingawa log hub offers regional log exporters a sustainable, reliable, economic way of moving large volumes of logs to the port.
“Part of our long-term strategy is to invest in infrastructure, develop strategic partnerships and create seamless road and rail connections from the hinterland to our seaport. This will help unlock the potential of Central New Zealand.”