DHL Supply Chain has announced the launch of three new transport hubs in New Zealand to improve service to regional areas on the North Island.

Located in Whangarei, Tauranga and Hastings, the transport hubs are being established to enhance supply chain resilience in regional areas and ensure consignments are delivered reliably to end recipients.

Customers requiring high standards of service in deliveries such as consumer goods, life sciences, healthcare, information technology and engineering are expected to benefit from the transport hubs.

They will be equipped with advanced technology and equipment including systems designed to monitor staff health and safety and sign-on-glass technology to verify proof of final delivery.

DHL Supply Chain New Zealand managing director Matt Casbolt said the strategic locations of the transport hubs will help improve DHL’s service levels to customers in and around Whangarei, Tauranga and Hawke’s Bay.

“Over the past 24 months we’ve seen an incredible amount of supply chain disruptions around the world, many of which have made front page news,” he said.

“By investing in regional areas with close proximity to ports and transport infrastructure, we will be enhancing the resilience of supply chains in New Zealand.”

The announcement follows DHL’s recent launch of two new warehousing facilities in Auckland and Christchurch totalling more than 12,000 square kilometres of space.

Facilities will be run by DHL personnel to reduce reliance on third-party contractors and will bring the company’s compliance, training and health and safety procedures into wider practice.

As part of the investment, DHL will also commission 15 new green vehicles to replace existing vehicles as they reach end of life.

DHL said it is on track to eliminate all logistics-related emissions across its global network by 2050.