Maraetai Road Industrial Park: Investing in Jobs, Growth, and South Waikato’s Future

One of the biggest responsibilities I have as Mayor is helping create the conditions for long-term economic growth. Growth that brings real jobs, real opportunity, and lasting benefit to our people. That’s why I’m proud to be backing the Maraetai Road Industrial Park project in Tokoroa.

This development has been a few years in the making, and now, it’s full steam ahead.

What’s It All About?

The Maraetai Road Intermodal Business Park is a major infrastructure project designed to attract light industry, manufacturing, and logistics businesses to South Waikato. It’s not just a nice idea, it’s a strategic move that builds on our district’s strengths:

• Our central location in the North Island

• Strong road and rail connections

• And our proximity to the Golden Triangle (Tauranga, Hamilton, and Auckland), the beating heart of the New Zealand economy.

  
  

This park will link directly to the existing Tokoroa Road-Rail Terminal (TRRT), giving future businesses direct access to Ports of Tauranga and Auckland. That means containers can move more efficiently between road and rail, and from there, out to global markets.

What Does This Mean for Our People?

Let’s keep it simple: more businesses = more jobs.

The development is expected to bring 150–200 new jobs to South Waikato. These are long-term roles that support local whānau, grow local skills, and inject more life into our economy.

The business park will feature 15 fully serviced lots, ranging from smaller sites to large blocks that can be combined for bigger operators. Whether you’re a local entrepreneur or a national logistics provider, this space is built to suit.

“South Waikato is the smart choice for manufacturing and logistics, affordable, accessible, and home to a strong, skilled workforce. This project is about turning our strengths into real economic wins for our people.”

A Long Road of Advocacy

This project didn’t happen overnight. It started back in late 2018 and has involved years of planning, advocacy, and tough conversations with everyone from local stakeholders to government partners.

We’ve worked closely with Kānoa, the Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, and I want to acknowledge the vital funding support provided by both Kānoa and the South Waikato District Council.

It’s been a real team effort, and we’re now starting to see the payoff.

Smart, Strategic Growth

The Maraetai Road Industrial Park isn’t just about bringing in business. It’s about future-proofing South Waikato and making sure we’re part of the national conversation when it comes to logistics, manufacturing, and regional prosperity.

By investing in infrastructure like this, we’re saying: we believe in our district. We’re not waiting for opportunity to knock, we’re building the door ourselves.

- Gary

Authorised by Gary Petley, 87 Kensington Street, Putāruru, 027 483 6809.