Fast facts 

• Total footprint: 28,128m² 
• Warehouse space: 24,821m² (three and a half rugby fields) 
• Racking up to 12m high, accommodating 27,656 pallets 
• Two temperature zones, chiller +2°C and freezer -24°C 
• 27 state-of-the-art loading docks 
• Capacity to park 30 trucks onsite 
• 1.96 MW rooftop solar array with 3,557 panels to offset grid electricity 
• Developed by Auckland Airport and located in the airport’s business park, The Landing 

Foodstuffs North Island has today announced a $70 million investment in a new purpose-built chilled and frozen distribution centre (DC) in Māngere, designed to strengthen supply chain resilience and better serve the needs of a growing Upper North Island population. 

Set to open in early 2028, the new Paitai Way Distribution Centre will more than double current capacity and replace the co-operative’s Nesdale Avenue site, which is now at capacity and operating beyond its intended design. The new facility, located in Auckland Airport’s business park, The Landing, will support long-term growth and allow Foodstuffs to better manage increasing product volumes and store demand for the next 25 years. 

With the population of the Upper North Island projected to grow by 1.0% annually, especially in Auckland, and increased demand across chilled and frozen categories, the new DC will provide more capacity to serve a growing store and product network. 

“We’re building for the future,” said Chris Quin, Chief Executive of Foodstuffs North Island. “This is a major investment in supply chain resilience. With forecasted population growth of 1.0% year on year as-well-as category growth across the Upper North Island, it’s critical we have the infrastructure in place to ensure customers continue to get the products they need, when they need them.” 

The new DC is part of a wider supply chain transformation programme, focused on improving safety, service, efficiency, quality and environmental performance. It will feature state-of-the-art CO₂ refrigeration, a 1.96 MW rooftop solar array, and infrastructure ready for future electric truck charging. The chiller floor has also been futureproofed, allowing the facility to convert into a fully frozen operation should demand require it. 

By consolidating chilled, frozen and ambient operations across nearby sites in Māngere, the new DC will improve fleet utilisation and transport efficiency, cutting down on road miles and emissions while increasing speed to shelf. 

“Investing in resilient infrastructure means fewer disruptions, better product availability in stores, and more flexibility for our suppliers to grow with us,” said Quin. “It also means creating a safer, more modern working environment for our teams.” 

The new 28,128m² facility will be leased from Auckland Airport, extending a successful partnership which has included the development of Foodstuffs’ Landing Drive distribution centre and support centre.  The collaboration brings together two of New Zealand’s largest infrastructure and retail organisations, each playing a critical role in keeping the country moving and shelves stocked. Together, Auckland Airport and Foodstuffs North Island are investing in infrastructure to strengthen the national supply chain and deliver better outcomes for consumers. 

Auckland Airport Chief Commercial Officer, Mark Thomson welcomed the development, saying: “We’re delighted to be working once again with Foodstuffs North Island to support the development of their logistics hub. Once complete, this world-class facility, with sustainable design features, is set to contribute to the growth of South Auckland and strengthen the scale and capability of our industrial portfolio.” 

Construction is set to begin later this year, with the building expected to be completed in late 2027 and operational in early 2028.