Awarua Development Signals Southland’s Bold New Future
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• Awarua Quadrant set to attract high-value exporters and create a major freight network
• Calder Stewart’s $2.5 billion development aims to boost jobs and renewable energy use
• Native restoration, port access and clean-tech focus at heart of Invercargill project
A multibillion-dollar industrial and logistics hub is being developed in Invercargill, promising to transform Southland’s economy and create long-term employment. Awarua Quadrant, a 513-hectare intermodal precinct backed by developers Calder Stewart, is expected to become one of the most significant manufacturing and export facilities in New Zealand.
The site will integrate manufacturing, warehousing, rail-enabled freight movement and renewable energy generation. It is positioned to support exporters through access to multiple South Island seaports, while reducing pressure on existing infrastructure. With a buildable area roughly the size of 733 rugby fields, the precinct’s full development is projected to be worth more than $2.5 billion.
The development includes clean energy initiatives such as wind turbines and rooftop and ground-mounted solar arrays, capable of producing over 50 MW annually. This energy supply is designed to help manufacturers reduce production emissions. A major native restoration project is also planned, with over one million plants and a 100-hectare wetland and recreation area.
Invercargill Mayor Nobby Clark said the project is a major win for the region.
“This development is great for Southland as we diversify our economic development. It is progressive that Calder Stewart are also looking to alternative energy sources to support the development, given that current research shows that Invercargill may run short of energy by 2030, without increasing sources.”
Clark added that the Invercargill City Council is also working on medium-term infrastructure to support future growth in Awarua.
“The two most obvious are housing options in the wider city including Bluff, and an alternative fresh water supply through exploratory drilling in Awarua which is nearly completed.”
Awarua is part of a broader regional strategy. Together with Milburn Quadrant, a logistics centre located further north, the two sites will support streamlined freight movement across the South Island. Calder Stewart says the goal is a vertically integrated ecosystem that enables just-in-time delivery and removes pressure from urban roads and coastal ports.
“Milburn and Awarua aren’t just two sites, they’re parts of a single, integrated solution,” said John D’Arcy, lower South Island business development manager at Calder Stewart.
Big Plans By Calder Stewart For Awarua Quadrant
The owners of Calder Stewart have plans to turn the largest area of heavy industrial zoned land in Australasia near Invercargill, into a thriving business hub. Awarua Quadrant will also generate renewable energy to be used on-site and by the local community. Calder Stewart Energy will work with building owners to install solar generation on […]
Aimee Wilson
Land and delivery manager Mark Johnston added that Awarua alone could generate up to 200,000 tonnes of freight annually – around 15,000 shipping containers – requiring a coordinated freight network. Early discussions are already underway with national and international businesses. Johnston noted that the combination of abundant resources and renewable energy makes Southland attractive for clean-tech industries.
Great South CEO Chami Abeysinghe said the development could be a vital part of the region’s long-term strategy.
“Awarua Quadrant could provide much needed capacity for Southland as we diversify our economy and attract high-value industries. Availability of consented land for large-scale commercial and industrial processes not only facilitates greater confidence but also decreases costs and de-risks investments. With its proximity to key transport links and our port, it’s ideally placed to support growth in sectors like aquaculture, engineering, agri-tech and supports consolidated warehousing,” she said.
“It’s also a strong signal to investors that Southland is open for business and committed to enabling innovation-led industries. It shows what’s possible when regional development aligns with business ambition. Calder Stewart’s planned development in Awarua is a classic example of how the region’s long-term plan can come to life through private investments.”
The site is fully zoned for heavy industry and ready to begin once an anchor tenant is confirmed. The first stages could be operational within 12 to 24 months.
