Rolleston freight hub plans welcomed by Fairfield
By local democracy reporter Jonathan Leask:
The man behind the new freight hub in Mid Canterbury says he's not concerned by plans to build another hub 58km up the road in Rolleston.
Wareing Group director Mark Wareing said a second hub would have a positive impact on the Fairton site as it would be “complimentary” and increase the traffic volume along the rail line.
“It will strengthen it over time as more local freight moves interisland,” he said.
The Fairfield Freight Hub opened in April, in an $18 million development led by the Waring Group with funding from the Government and the Ashburton District Council.
Now a similar hub could be established up the road after the Selwyn District Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with KiwiRail.
KiwiRail future state freight general manager Mark Heissenbuttel said Kiwirail and the council, along with other interested parties, are in early discussions on the establishment of a freight hub in Rolleston.
Location and costs are still to be discussed, he said.
“Inter-modal hubs use both road and rail transport, enabling trucks to complete the first and last mile of collections and delivery, and for rail to do the heavy longer-distance movements.
“KiwiRail runs some 30 services a day through the Selwyn District, including the crown jewel of our tourism offerings, the TranzAlpine.
“It’s an exciting time for rail in the South Island with the imminent arrival of the brand new low-emissions locomotives will boost KiwiRail in the South Island.”
With plenty to still work out around establishing a new hub in Rolleston, it was too early to speculate on any potential impacts on the Fairfield Hub, Heissenbuttel said.
Selwyn mayor Sam Broughton said the MOU marked a significant milestone for the district.
“This partnership will help enhance the flow of freight through Selwyn, strengthening our local economy and connecting us more effectively with the wider region."
The MOU includes closer cooperation between the two organisations to align the rail network development with the objective of Waikirikiri Te Kua Future Selwyn strategy.
Broughton said the strategy was a roadmap for the district for the next 50-100 years.
"We must plan our transport systems to accommodate future generations well”.
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Marketing Strategies for Sustainable Selwyn Businesses
The Selwyn Responsible Business Network warmly invites you to a marketing and promotion workshop dedicated exclusively to businesses committed to environmental and social initiatives.
This workshop is designed to empower Selwyn businesses who are already doing amazing environmental and community work but need the tools to effectively share their story, build trust, and attract conscious customers. If you are passionate about your positive impact, this evening is for you.
What You Will Learn:
This interactive evening will feature industry experts who will teach you how to:
Learn how to promote your environmental practices and community work without "greenwashing."
Reach customers who prioritise ethical and sustainable brands.
Create content that is compelling and trustworthy.
Build your story using your values and mission to create engaging narratives.
Expert Speakers:
We are delighted to be joined by a panel of experts in building ethical brands. They will share their years of expertise, answer your questions, and offer tailored advice.
Jo O'Brien | Senior Marketing Advisor, Selwyn District Council
Fleur Harris | NZ Word Trees
Charlotte Cook | Capa Collective
They possess a wealth of experience in marketing and promotion from various perspectives. They'll be ready to share their insights and expertise, answer your questions and offer valuable advice.
Join us to learn how to showcase your positive impact and strengthen our Selwyn business community. Whether you're a long-standing business or just starting out, we encourage you to come along!
The evening will proceed as follows:
Date: Thursday, 5th March
Time: 5:30 PM for drinks & nibbles, 6 PM start
Venue: Lincoln Event Centre
Cost: Free
RSVP: events.humanitix.com...
To help us with catering arrangements, please register your attendance. However, if you're unable to register beforehand, you are still absolutely welcome to come along!
I look forward to seeing you on the evening.
Maree Hamilton
Email rbacoordinator@gmail.com
Phone: 022 438 4496
Our Sponsors
A big thank you to our wonderful sponsors! We extend our sincere appreciation to all our sponsors: Selwyn District Council, Rātā Foundation, Community Operations South Island - Department of Internal Affairs - COGS, Lottery Community, Lincoln University and Lincoln Community Trust.
Poll: As a customer, what do you think about automation?
The Press investigates the growing reliance on your unpaid labour.
Automation (or the “unpaid shift”) is often described as efficient ... but it tends to benefit employers more than consumers.
We want to know: What do you think about automation?
Are you for, or against?
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9.6% For. Self-service is less frustrating and convenient.
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43.2% I want to be able to choose.
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47.2% Against. I want to deal with people.
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