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,” Couper said.

“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,” he said.

The 19 wagons will carry 600 tonnes of logs, five days a week removing 21 logging trucks from the road and replacing the daily freight train that departed from Tangiwai Mill with WPI timber, lumber and pulp to Napier Port.

Napier Port CEO Todd Dawson said it meant wins for everyone.

“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,” Dawson said.

“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 at Napier Port,” Dawson said.

McCarthy Transport is operating the Tangiwai rail yard working alongside Ernslaw, KiwiRail, Qube and Napier Port.

“With the Napier-Taihape Rd deteriorating because of the increase in heavy vehicles carting wood across since the WPI mill closures, the Tangiwai rail is a good solution to move the same amount of volume.

“We are in full support of this and look forward to getting started,” Mike McCarthy, managing director, McCarthy’s Transport 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 said.

“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 make this possible.”

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

All parties acknowledged the efforts of Mayor Watson who was instrumental in facilitating discussions in the region.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.