DHL Express opens brand new $42M facility in Christchurch

• DHL's first facility in New Zealand designed to operate as carbon-neutral (Scope 1 & 2) *
• The new gateway is expected to deliver economic benefits to the region; supporting the local economy, strengthening local supply chains, and providing South Island businesses with greater access to international markets 

Auckland, New Zealand, 27 May, 2026: DHL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, is officially opening the NZD 42 million (EUR 24 million) new state-of-the-art gateway at Christchurch Airport. This marks DHL Express’s largest infrastructure commitment in New Zealand to date.

Opened in May 2026, the purpose-built 8,500 sqm facility will significantly enhance DHL’s operational capacity and efficiency on the South Island, supporting the growing demand for international shipping from Kiwi businesses. The new gateway will consolidate DHL’s existing service center and gateway operations under one roof, streamlining processes and enabling faster, more reliable connections to global markets.

Equipped with advanced automation, including a parcel-sorting conveyor system that automatically directs shipments to the correct destination, the new gateway can process up to 6,500 inbound parcels per hour and 5,600 outbound parcels per hour. The automated conveyor system will help to improve workforce productivity while reducing repetitive, physically demanding tasks for the employees. At the same time, it supports a safer workplace by enabling team members to focus on more skilled, value-added responsibilities, creating opportunities for job growth, while giving couriers more time on the road to better serve customers and enhance delivery performance.

Additionally, the facility features a high-speed X-ray screening machine, which will dramatically improve throughput by five times compared to the old facility.

The Christchurch gateway will also be the company’s first carbon-neutral* building in New Zealand designed to achieve net-zero operational carbon emissions in Scope 1 & 2. The facility will incorporate on-site renewable energy solutions, including a solar photovoltaic system, supported by energy-efficient building technologies, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and advanced energy monitoring systems. It will also leverage Christchurch Airport’s existing water reclamation system for non‑potable water use and feature landscaping using native New Zealand plant species, designed in line with local biodiversity considerations.

Mark Foy, Managing Director of DHL Express New Zealand and Pacific Islands, said the investment reflects the company’s long-term commitment to enabling international trade for Kiwi businesses.

“Christchurch and the wider South Island have been among our fastest-growing regions over the past five years. We have recorded 104% shipment growth in the South Island region since 2019, and this new gateway will allow us to significantly increase processing speed and capacity, helping local exporters and importers connect to global markets more efficiently than ever before. With direct airside access and our dedicated Boeing 767 operation linking the South Island to the world, we are well positioned to support the next phase of growth for Kiwi businesses,” said Foy.

According to the 2025 ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer, 79% of Kiwi exporters have maintained or increased their exports over the past 12 months, with 59% predicting they will increase their exports in 2026.

Empowering Kiwi exporters and driving regional growth

Beyond operational improvements, the new gateway is expected to deliver meaningful economic benefits to the region. The investment in the facility will also support the local economy, strengthen local supply chains, and provide South Island businesses with greater access to international markets.

By improving speed, reliability, and connectivity, DHL aims to empower Kiwi exporters to scale globally, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises looking to expand beyond domestic markets. The facility also reinforces Christchurch Airport’s role as a critical logistics hub for the South Island.

Justin Watson, CEO of Christchurch Airport, said, “Our partnership with DHL is built on a shared ambition to grow international trade and deliver world-class logistics solutions. This new facility is a significant step forward for our freight and logistics precinct and will play an important role in connecting South Island businesses and customers to the world.”

The Christchurch gateway builds on a series of strategic investments by DHL Express in New Zealand over the past decade. These include the expansion of its Auckland gateway, the introduction of new dedicated freighter services connecting New Zealand with Australia, and the development of new service centers across key locations.

Together, these investments reflect DHL’s commitment to strengthening its global network and supporting the evolving needs of New Zealand businesses as they expand into international markets.

*Carbon-Neutral Building refers to a DHL internal rating standard for building emissions. It includes buildings’ operational carbon emissions according to Scope 1 and Scope 2, with 75% or more carbon reduction and a maximum of 25% offsets with verified carbon credits allowed (compared to a baseline where fossil energy is used for electricity and heating). The reduction of emissions is achieved by renewable energies, like solar PV, and the deployment of energy efficient technologies.