Darcy Hart is no stranger to solving problems, building his career out of solving logistical challenges for his customers. As the CEO of national logistics and freight organization Nexus Logistics LTD and Colinxx LTD, Darcy could see Manawatū had many locational advantages over other regions as a base for logistics and freight, but also knew there were challenges on the horizon for the industry.

Nexus Logistics LTD has now been operating from Palmerston North for five years, choosing the location over other regions in New Zealand.

"What Palmerston North and Manawatū offer is unique and logistics of Manawatū just make sense." Darcy explains.

Manawatū is home to large scale distribution centres like Toyota NZ, Countdown, and Foodstuffs reaping the benefits of calling the region home. As a unique multi-model distribution hub that works through central New Zealand, Manawatū provides access to domestic and international markets through one of only three national airports that can move freight 24/7, proximity and connectivity to main centres across the lower North Island by both rail and road; and designated space for large scale warehousing sites with room to grow.

Nexus Logistics LTD have recently been awarded the contract with Countdown New Zealand which will see the company responsible for managing international products that are imported into Auckland. These products are then distributed throughout new Zealand through Countdowns logistics business, Primary Connect including Countdown Palmerston North Distribution centre.

"With many of our key customer contracts being located within the Manawatū district, we know that having a team based in the Manawatū has proven to have made our business build to a well recognised logistics provider in Manawatū, and we are now card carrying members of the Manawatū business community."

"Massey University and UCOL campuses provide us with a pool of well-educated people and the cost of living is lower compared to other regions around the country. This makes it easier to encourage people to come to, or stay, in Manawatū because it's got everything you need for a good life."

As the key central servicing point for regions including Taranaki, Manawatū-Whanganui, Hawke's Bay, Wairarapa, and Wellington, Te Utanganui complements the Golden Triangle and Christchurch as the third node in the national transport and freight network.

Te Utanganui is taking development in Manawatū to the next level, building on initiatives already planned and underway for the area like KiwiRail's Regional Freight Hub and major roading projects including Te Ahu a Turanga: Manawatū Tararua highway and Ōtaki to north of Levin expressway.

In the heart of the lower North Island, Manawatū is experiencing unprecedented levels of growth fueled by significant public and private investment with more than $8 billion of transport and infrastructure planned and underway in the next 10 years - $3.3 billion of which is tagged for roads and transport infrastructure alone.