Following the closure of Tangiwai Millin the Ruapehu District, Ernslaw One has found a solution to getting its logs out of Karioi Forest, to Napier Port.

Thanks to collaboration with KiwiRail, Napier Port, McCarthy Transport and Qube Ports, Ernslaw will be making its first log delivery by rail from Karioi Forest to Napier Port on Monday, 27 January 2025.

The parties acknowledged the efforts of Andy Watson, Mayor of Rangitīkei District Council, who was instrumental in facilitating discussions in the region.

Steve Couper, SNI Regional Manager for Ernslaw One, says despite the Mill closing, the company wanted to continue production and keep its contractors in work.   

“The move away from road cartage to rail has many advantages. It is a safety gain for the logging truck drivers, as well as for other road users and local residents.” says Couper.

“We approached KiwiRail and Napier Port to negotiate a deal that would make it feasible, and after some pencil sharpening, we’ve been able to get this agreement in place and get these logs on to rail,” continued Couper.

“There are wins in this for everyone,” said Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson, “and it’s a great example of how export NZ benefits when everyone in the supply chain works together on sensible, efficient solutions that are sustainable and commercially viable for all parties”.

“Being flexible for customers is a Napier Port priority and we adjusted our landside logistics and port operations to receive Ernslaw’s logs by rail; cargo we previously received processed as timber, lumber and pulp from WPI.  We have increasing volumes of freight from the Central and Lower North Island, and rail is an important part of connecting these customers with the many international shipping services that call Napier Port.

“Today’s announcement is positive for communities in both the Ruapehu District and Hawke’s Bay, and with increasing volumes of logs coming by rail, we remind people in both regions to be careful around increased freight activity on the line.” Mr Dawson said.

KiwiRail Executive General Manager Freight and Rolling Stock Operations Paul Ashton says the benefits to the region are huge. "Removing so many trucks from this road, which is complex to maintain due to its many bends and steep grades, will greatly reduce road deterioration,” he says. "The more freight carried by rail on long journeys, the lower New Zealand’s total transport emissions, and the lower the carbon footprint of KiwiRail’s customers. This is a great result, and we appreciate the collaboration of all parties who have worked together to market his possible."

“McCarthy Transport are pleased to be operating the Tangiwai rail yard working alongside Ernslaw, Kiwi Rail, Qube and Napier Port. With the Napier-Taihape Road deteriorating due to the increase in heavy vehicles carting wood across since the WPI mill closures, the Tangiwai rail is a good solution to continue to move the same amount of volume. We are in full support of this and look forward to getting started,” said Mike McCarthy, Managing Director, McCarthy’s Transport.

“The Rangitīkei District Council was concerned about having additional logging trucks on the roads, impacting roading wear and tear, and initiated discussions with all parties involved to assist in reaching a solution,” said Andy Watson, Mayor of Rangitīkei District Council.

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