Freightways and Palmerston North Airport Break Ground on New Freight and Logistics Facility

The Palmerston North Airport Company and Freightways Group formally broke ground today on a purpose-built freight and logistics facility at Palmerston North Airport. The ceremony, held onsite, marks the beginning of a major construction project that will future‑proof Freightways’ operations and support growing demand for fast, reliable courier and cargo services across New Zealand.

Located within Ruapehu Aeropark, the facility is due for completion in late 2026. Once finished, it will include warehousing, operational offices, a public reception area, a six‑lane breezeway and direct access to Palmerston North Airport’s freight apron. The project involves the construction of two standalone 3,000 m² warehouses connected by a 2,000 m² breezeway, purpose‑designed to support high‑volume freight movements.

Ruapehu Aeropark is one of three business zones within Te Utanganui – the Central New Zealand Distribution Hub. This significant investment by Freightways responds to growing regional demand for distribution and logistics services while further strengthening Te Utanganui’s position as one of New Zealand’s premier distribution centres.

Murray Georgel, the Palmerston North Airport Board Chair acknowledged the confidence Freightways has shown in the city and its airport as a critical part of the company’s national airfreight network.

“I would like to thank Freightways for their confidence in our airport as the third node in their airfreight network, and as the location for their consolidated Palmerston North operation across NZ Couriers, Post Haste and Parceline. Stamping your footprint on our airport is symbolic. I also want to acknowledge the time and patience they’ve shown in arriving at today’s ceremony. A lot happens before we get to this point. In the end, it comes down to commitment, and in this case, that commitment is secured by confidence.”

Calder Stewart, the construction partner for the project, says the development represents an important addition to Palmerston North Airport’s expanding commercial portfolio.

“We’re proud to be delivering this important facility as part of Palmerston North Airport’s growing investment portfolio. From the outset, there’s been a positive, hands‑on approach across the team, which has set a strong foundation for the project,” Herman van Heral, Calder Stewart Area Manager said.

“It’s been a pleasure working alongside Palmerston North Airport and Freightways Group to bring this vision to life and contribute to a development that will play a key role in supporting New Zealand’s growing freight and logistics network. We look forward to continuing this partnership throughout construction and celebrating the successful delivery of a facility that will serve Palmerston North well into the future.”

The ground‑breaking ceremony also included remarks from Palmerston North Mayor Grant Smith, who acknowledged the scale and importance of Freightways’ investment in the city.

“I want to acknowledge the Freightways Group for their investment. This new purpose‑built airfreight and logistics facility has been in the planning for some time and has been designed to future‑proof their operations here in Palmerston North, with strong links to Christchurch and Auckland airports,” Mayor Smith said.

“For the city, it represents another significant investment in our logistics sector, supporting the growing demand for courier parcels and airfreight services. It also reinforces Te Utanganui – the Central New Zealand Distribution Hub as a nationally important distribution centre.”