Manawatū Projects Play Central Part In New Zealand's Future Infrastructure Strategy
Of the 17 nationally significant projects identified, six are located in Manawatū, a clear signal of the region's role in driving economic growth and resilience. These include:
• Upgrades to NZDF facilities, housing, and roads
• Continued development at Linton Military Camp
• Completion of the Ohakea Base expansion
• The vital enhancement of freight connections through the Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road
'These long-term investments not only support regional growth — they underpin the strategic importance of Te Utanganui, Central New Zealand's Distribution Hub,' says Robbie Woods, Te Utanganui's Programme Director. 'They represent the next chapter in building a resilient and future-ready national logistics network.'
Located in the heart of the country, Manawatū is home to a significant proportion of New Zealand's defence operations. With Linton Military Camp and RNZAF Ohakea Base located here, the region is a key centre for both military readiness and the national supply chain.
'Development of the Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road is one of the most critical enablers of supply chain resilience in New Zealand,' adds Robbie Woods. 'It is the next step in the national corridor that includes Te Ahu a Turanga and the planned Ōtaki to North of Levin Expressway, connecting central New Zealand to the capital, and enabling the movement of goods, people, and defence capability.'
The National Infrastructure Plan strongly aligns with the vision for Te Utanganui – a nationally significant programme of integrated projects that will accelerate economic growth and unlock new regional and national opportunities.
CEDA and its regional partners support the draft plan and urge others to do the same, recognising the need for a strategically integrated pipeline of projects that position New Zealand for a stronger, more connected future.
A recently commissioned economic impact report on Te Utanganui highlights the scale of potential benefit at both regional and national levels and the Indicative Business Case for the Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road is now underway.
'We have the plan. We have the momentum. Now is the time to back this investment and make it happen,' said Robbie Woods.
KEY MESSAGES
Te Utanganui is a future-focused programme of coordinated investments that will make New Zealand's freight network faster, safer, and more resilient - supporting economic growth across the country. Expansions to the business zones within Te Utanganui are attracting private investment and creating high-quality, large-floorplate industrial land, allowing logistics businesses to co-locate, operate 24/7, and lift productivity.
With major NZDF facilities located here, the investment will support defence mobility and logistics, cementing Manawatū's role as a strategic hub for both military readiness and commercial freight.
Unlocking Freight Efficiency Through Manawatū
The Manawatū Regional Freight Ring Road is the linchpin of Te Utanganui, enabling faster, more efficient movement of goods and reducing congestion in urban areas creating safer roads.
With major NZDF facilities located here, the investment will support defence mobility and logistics, cementing Manawatū's role as a strategic hub for both military readiness and commercial freight.
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