What we do

Tertiary education and research

Logistics

Overview

New Zealand’s geographical distance from its main trading partners makes the importance of an effective freight movement system vital. This strong export focus and the importance of the Port of Tauranga have shaped the region as a key area in the movement of New Zealand freight. Tauranga is located within New Zealand’s ‘golden triangle, bounded by Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga, which is responsible around 65 per cent of the country’s freight movements. Strong growth is projected in this area over the next 20 years, when it will comprise over half of New Zealand’s total economic activity and 53 per cent of its population. With sufficient land available to sustain considerable growth, Port of Tauranga aims to be recognised as New Zealand’s leading port by offering a range of preferred cargo gateways and shipping solutions that include and transcend the boundaries of their historic base in the Bay of Plenty. In addition, the region’s strategic roading network has been specifically designed to facilitate the smooth movement of traffic to and from the port, both within the region and between the region and other major centres.

Bay of Plenty Polytechnic

The region’s population increase and the expansion in roading, rail and associated infrastructure, coupled with growth in the movement of export products through the Port of Tauranga, has put significant pressure on the transport and logistics industries to recruit, train and retain staff. The Bay of Plenty Polytechnic has responded to this need by establishing a range of specialist programmes in transport and logistics studies. Qualifications include the Certificate in Commercial Road Transport, the National Certificate in Passenger Service Transport, as well as two diplomas targeting management level positions. The National Diploma in Road Transport Management Level 5 is designed for those already employed in, or intending to enter, a management role in a road transport company, while the National Diploma in Logistics Operations Level 5 is for those in similar roles in companies involved in the physical distribution of materials and goods. The diplomas are offered by ‘blended delivery’ - a mix of online study, face-to-face workshops and assessments – so that students can study at their own pace and in an environment that suits them. For further information, visit www.boppoly.ac.nz.

ICT Cluster Capability

The Western Bay of Plenty ICT Cluster is focusing on initiatives to grow the sector, particularly in relation to the horticulture and distribution/logistics sectors. Software development houses in the region have developed leading edge distribution and logistics software to support these sectors and also as export products in their own right.

Bremen Institute of Production and Logistics (BIBA)

The partnership between University of Waikato and University of Bremen in Germany relating to the INTERCOAST marine research centre may also provide an opportunity for the region to link in to world leading research in the area of logistics. As part of the launch of INTERCOAST, Professor Dr Wilfried Muller, Rektor (Vice-Chancellor) of Bremen University, visited Tauranga and was given an extensive tour of the region’s horticulture sector and port operations by Priority One. Prof Muller is also Deputy Chairman of the University of Bremen Technology Park.

Bremen University is internationally recognised as a leader in production and logistics systems research. It established the Bremen Institute for Production and Logistics (BIBA), which has grown to be one of the biggest research institutes in Germany. The BIBA is a scientific engineering research institute dealing with the issues of production and logistics systems. It conducts research, develops technical and organisational solutions and applies them realistically in commercial and industrial companies around the world. Around 100 researchers work at BIBA in areas such as logistics, production planning, production technology, machatronics, robotics, scientific engineering, computer science, electro technology and similar scientific disciplines. The outstanding quality of research is not least due to the close cooperation with numerous research institutes, both in Germany and overseas.

Discussions with Prof Muller have led to a potential opportunity to partner with BIBA to support the work of the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s feasibility study to establish a centre of expertise in transport and logistics in the Bay of Plenty. The centre of expertise would draw on key regional resources such as the port, road and rail to create the pre-eminent location for transport and logistics and supply chain research and training in New Zealand, integrating university, polytechnic and industry capabilities. It would also support the Port of Tauranga's position as the leading port in New Zealand and a key player in the Asia-Pacific network, as well as improving the region's productivity and environmental sustainability.