DHL Express to invest US$24m in New Zealand hub

To support better international trade, DHL Express is investing NZ$42m (US$24.6m) in a new gateway at Christchurch International Airport in New Zealand.

The 8,500m2   Christchurch Gateway is scheduled to open in 2026 and will replace the previous service point and gateway facility at the airport. According to DHL Express, combining these two functions under one roof will significantly improve operational efficiency.

The facility will be equipped with a line sorter conveyor system capable of processing up to 6,500 parcels per hour for inbound shipments and 5,600 parcel per hour for outbound shipments, along with high-speed x-ray screening capabilities.

Commenting on the investment, Mark Foy, DHL Express managing director, New Zealand & Pacific Islands, said, “Christchurch and the South Island of New Zealand is one of the fastest growing regions for DHL over the last five years. DHL has supported that strong growth with a daily Boeing 767 operation connecting New Zealand’s South Island to the world. The new DHL gateway will have direct access to the tarmac which enables us to significantly improve shipment processing speed and help more Kiwi exporters and importers get their products to international markets.”

Sustainable facility

Designed as a 100% carbon neutral build (CNB), the facility will be created and operated to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions over its entire lifecycle. This includes implementing energy efficiency measures, using renewable energy, offsetting greenhouse gas emissions, and incorporating sustainable building materials.

With features like a solar photovoltaic system, electric vehicle charging stations, advanced energy metering and integration with Christchurch airport’s campus-wide rainwater harvesting system, the facility will set a new benchmark for sustainability in logistics infrastructure. The landscaping will also focus on enhancing biodiversity by using regenerative New Zealand native species.

Justin Watson, CEO of Christchurch Airport, commented, “Our partnership with DHL is built on shared goals of driving international trade and providing world-class logistics solutions. This new facility is an important step forward for our airport as we expand our freight apron and is a testament to the importance of Dakota Park, our freight and logistics precinct, in connecting Kiwi businesses to the world.”