He Ahi Eco Business Park Reaches Major Milestones

Written By Kim Manunui
 
 

What began as a bold vision in June 2022 has grown into one of the region’s most exciting industrial developments.

The He Ahi Eco Business Park was established following an agreement for Te Pae O Waimihia to purchase 100 acres of land from Contact Energy. The site is being transformed into a modern industrial park featuring 47 lots available for sale or lease, with geothermal energy supplied to selected sites through Contact Energy — reinforcing the park’s commitment to sustainability.

A Complex Vision, Years in the Making

From the outset, the scale and complexity of the site presented significant challenges. When construction of an environmentally friendly fertiliser production factory for Tnue began in March 2023, a wide range of experts were engaged to help shape He Ahi into a truly best-practice Eco Business Park.

Specialist input included:

  • Hydrology

  • Environmental and ecological assessments

  • Geotechnical investigations

  • Archaeological expertise

  • Civil engineering

  • Traffic impact assessments

This comprehensive approach ensured the development would balance industrial growth with environmental responsibility.

In December 2024, Council approval was granted, clearing the way for Camex Construction to begin Stage 1 works in February 2025.

 

Stage 1 Construction Timeline

Significant progress has been made over the past year:

  • February 2025 – Earthworks, erosion and sediment control

  • April 2025 – Stormwater infrastructure

  • July 2025 – Pavement works

  • August 2025 – Surfacing

  • September 2025 – Vehicle crossings

  • December 2025 – Road and footpath finishing

By February 2026, He Ahi formally submitted for council consent as Stage 1 neared completion.

Finishing Touches Underway

The final details are now being completed to bring Stage 1 fully online.

Camex Construction is addressing minor areas affected by recent weather events, while Ngā Mahi Kaha has installed many of the beautiful native plants supplied by He Tipu, enhancing the park’s environmental and visual appeal.

Next steps include the installation of fencing and signage, marking the formal completion of Stage 1.

For safety reasons, other areas of the park will remain closed to the public as development continues.

The He Ahi Eco Business Park stands as a testament to collaboration, environmental stewardship, and long-term regional investment. With sustainable infrastructure and geothermal capability at its core, He Ahi is set to become a hub for forward-thinking industrial enterprise.

Kim Manunui

Hi, I’m Kim and I work with a great team to help individuals, as well as small and not so small businesses get their message, product and services to the world using digital media and creating wonderful websites that don’t cost the earth.

I was born in Canada, and grew up around Vancouver and the mountains of British Columbia. My love of pristine environments led me to New Zealand and eventually to the mountains, lakes and rivers of the central North Island which is home. My family’s heritage is here, and it’s from here that Korio traverses the planet.

The digital world is never static and neither are we.

And I say ‘we’ because I work with an awesome group of talented people who I gather together as required to complete a project.  Whatever your business, not-for-profit or individual needs are we gather the best team to get the job done.

Collaboratively we are creative, share sustainable values and work hard for great outcomes because that’s the buzz of satisfaction that drives us.

If you have an audience and market to reach, we can make that happen. Creative design, words that work and smart behind the scenes stuff that cuts through the online noise. We’ll design your website and then build it. We’ll manage the content as well as all your hosting needs. We can handle your online advertising so you get noticed,
and we’ll manage your social media presence so you get the clicks, likes and engagement to grow your business. All within the budget you set, because none of this needs to cost the earth.  And the job doesn’t stop when your website goes live. We are your virtual business partner.

https://www.korio.co.nz
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