8 | Kmart New Zealand - Calder Stewart: National distribution centre T T Kim Newth Investing for growth in NZ market Opening celebrations: from left: Chris Joblin (CEO, Tainui Group Holdings), John Gualtieri (CEO, Kmart), Heeni Katipa (representing Kiingi Tuheitia), Tumuaki Hone Thompson, Hinerangi Raumati (Chair, Tainui Group Holdings) and Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Spring 2023 is ushering in a new season of growth for Kmart New Zealand, which has opened an exciting new 40,000 sqm distribution centre at the Ruakura Superhub in Hamilton. This project has been many years in the works for the Kmart team, with the Ruakura Superhub ideally located to enable reliable stock flow to stores for the benefit of customers. As one of the largest buildings in the country – being equivalent in size to more than four rugby fields – the new distribution centre is around two and a half times the size of Kmart’s previous distribution site in Wiri, South Auckland. Equipped with modern infrastructure, the new facility has been purpose-built to service the long term needs of Kmart’s New Zealand stores and growing customer base in the North Island. Autonomous robotics combined with advanced warehousing and data systems will support speedy distribution. The new centre is also creating more than 100 jobs for the local community. Speaking at the opening of the new centre in September, Kmart Chief Executive Officer John Gualtieri described it as a significant milestone that signalled Kmart’s commitment to continued growth in New Zealand. “Moving to a larger, purpose-built facility in the Ruakura Superhub will allow us to more efficiently do what we do best – giving customers easy access to the everyday items they need at the lowest possible prices. “Our new distribution centre will enable us to create a more reliable flow of stock into stores and into our customers hands.” Developed by Tainui Group Holdings (TGH), the new distribution centre is located on nine hectares and includes warehousing, distribution, storage, a container yard and an office facility. TGH Chief Executive Chris Joblin observes that TGH shares Kmart’s goal of ensuring a highly efficient and connected supply chain: “Notably, the Kmart centre’s prime position grants access to the Ruakura Inland Port, forging an eco-friendly connection to the Port of Tauranga and MetroPort in Auckland via rail freight transport lines – offering transport efficiencies and a lower environmental impact.” Kmart’s ongoing commitment to more sustainable practices is evident within the site, which has been developed in line with the Greenstar 4 rating. “Just to name a few, the sustainability features include solar panels generating up to 300 kilowatts of power, rainwater harvesting, onsite stormwater treatment, electronic vehicle charging stations, bike racks and end of trip facilities for our team who choose to cycle, jog or walk to work,” says a Kmart spokesperson. Along with shared values and goals, Kmart and TGH have a strong sense of community. Kmart has been working with Waikato-Tainui to create a pathway for supporting iwi members through employment opportunities. “There has been strong interest and many successful appointments.” Calder Stewart’s Waikato team and the wider national Calder Stewart team have also been celebrating the opening of the new distribution centre and their role in assisting TGH to deliver this anchor site. Calder Stewart CEO Darren Evans notes that it takes an enormous amount of planning and hard work to build projects of such scale. “Calder Stewart has significant experience building some of the largest and most complex buildings in New Zealand and this is another example of successfully delivering to happy customers,” he says. “Calder Stewart congratulates Tainui on their vision for the Superhub and wish Kmart all the best with commencing operation from their new landmark facility.” Kmart has opened three new stores since 2020 - bringing the total nationwide to 26 – and, in addition to the new distribution centre, plans to open another exciting store in Dunedin in 2024. Kmart New Zealand is also busy rolling out ‘Tory’ - a self-navigating robot equipped with groundbreaking technology - to all stores nationwide. Tory will track and scan inventory on a daily basis to provide accurate data on product availability, in turn creating a better customer experience. Proudly supporting Calder Stewart on the Kmart project 107a Hautapu road, Cambridge Email: office@cominsplumbing.co.nz Phone: 07 823 7263 Plumbing, Drainage & Gasfitting Specialist
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