DHL Express has invested in a new Christchurch gateway to support New Zealand businesses' international trade.
Conveniently located at Christchurch International Airport, the property will represent an infrastructure investment of NZD 42 million over ten years.
The facility has been the most significant investment made in the country. It was also a testament to DHL Express’ ongoing commitment to supporting Kiwi businesses in the South Island to trade internationally.
Scheduled to open in 2026, the Christchurch Gateway will measure 8,500 square meters and replace the previous service point and gateway facility at Christchurch Airport. Combining these two functions under one roof will significantly improve operational efficiency.
The new facility will have a line sorter conveyor system capable of processing up to 6,500 parcels per hour (PPH) for inbound shipments and 5,600 PPH for outbound shipments, as well as high-speed X-ray screening capabilities.
The 2024 ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer results also revealed that more than half of New Zealand-based exporters expected their overseas orders to increase in 2025, a jump from 2023, when only 42 percent of exporters experienced growth.
DHL has forecasted an average growth of four to five percent annually in the Christchurch region over the coming years, and the Christchurch gateway will support this international predicted growth.
“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,” said DHL Express Managing Director, New Zealand and Pacific Islands, Mark Foy.
“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.”
Designed as a 100 percent 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 enhance biodiversity by using regenerative New Zealand native species.
In addition to this carbon neutral build (CNB) initiative, DHL Express has also helped to reduce greenhouse gas emissions through GoGreen Plus. Introduced in 2023, the service has used an ‘insetting’ approach to help customers reduce carbon emissions using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
“Our partnership with DHL is built on shared goals of driving international trade and providing world-class logistics solutions,” said Justin Watson, CEO of Christchurch Airport.
“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.”
The new facility followed significant investments in ground infrastructure and the expansion of DHL’s air network over the past six years. These investments have marked significant steps DHL has taken to enhance service standards in response to the evolving needs of Kiwi businesses seeking international growth.
