Tāngata whenua made and traded stone tools here generations ago. Now the site is open for expressions of interest in 23 lots of Industrial 2-zoned land.
A new industrial estate strategically located close to key transport networks is set to have a major impact on Marlborough’s economy.
The 19.26ha, 23-lot Riverlands development, known as Muriwai Industrial Hub, will provide space for businesses to expand, says Mike Poff, a property sales specialist for Blenheim-based Property Brokers.
It’s also promising to strengthen connections between the region’s productive economy and the wider country, with a vision to connect the North and South Island logistically and boost New Zealand’s GDP.
The developers, Marlborough Inland Hub Ltd (MIHL) – a joint venture between Port Marlborough and CentrePort Wellington – envision Muriwai as a large-scale industrial hub that strengthens logistical connections across New Zealand markets and into international supply chains.
Poff and his Property Brokers colleague Erika Williams are targeting businesses and investors who see the strategic advantages of what Poff calls “the geographical centre of the country”, with direct access to State Highway 1 and, in time, potentially the South Island main trunk rail line.
It’s set to be an important base for the movement, storage, and distribution of goods, supporting local businesses, regional growth and greater supply chain efficiency.
By investing in the right infrastructure and enabling future-focused development, the site is seen as an opportunity to set foundations for new enterprise and long-term economic opportunity for Marlborough.
A strategic site with rich history
The site’s strategic positioning is not newly discovered – it was established centuries ago, when it was a major gathering and trading place by tāngata whenua.
Long before European settlement, the area was renowned for its argillite, from which Māori crafted toki (adzes) and other stone tools.
These were traded widely throughout Aotearoa, making it an important centre for production, innovation and exchange – and one of Marlborough’s earliest places of industry.
Hand-dug canals were created, enabling movement through the wetlands and waterways, which became important trade routes that allowed people to travel, transport materials and connect with neighbouring communities.
One of the original canals still exists, weaving through the centre of the present-day site.
Port Marlborough has committed to work alongside local iwi Rangitāne o Wairau to incorporate these cultural narratives and storytelling into developments wherever appropriate.
‘Huge for the region’
Positioned alongside State Highway 1 between two existing industrial sites – Riverlands Estate and Cloudy Bay Business Park – Poff says it will add valuable industrial capacity to a region whose economy is built on making, growing, processing and moving goods.
“It is huge for the region,” he says. “It sits at the convergence of not only major road and potential rail connections, but the area’s maritime freight network, with its access to two ports in Picton, 28km away, and Wellington.
“It is the final release of Industrial 2-zoned land in Marlborough, so it is a valuable opportunity for businesses to establish, expand, invest and provide room for future growth.”
Muriwai will deliver the 23 industrial lots across three stages ranging from approximately 1660sq m to 43,200sq m.
It is expected to attract a broad range of investors and businesses, including freight and logistics operators, industrial developers, the energy sector, winery and processing businesses, investment funds, iwi and the farming sector.
There is also a wider opportunity for a cornerstone investor to undertake a design, build and lease development, creating a purpose-built facility that supports the region’s growing industrial needs and delivers long-term value.
Preparing for Marlborough’s future
Poff says expressions of interest are being sought from October 20 until the end of the year, and tenders will be called for in February 2027.
“It offers businesses something increasingly valuable: room to plan for what comes next,” he says.
“Whether it’s a purpose-built facility, a larger manufacturing or processing operation, additional warehousing and distribution capacity, or land held for future development, the range of lot sizes creates flexibility for different ambitions and investment strategies.
“Muriwai presents a unique opportunity for businesses and investors looking to establish themselves in Marlborough, expand their footprint or secure strategically located industrial land.”
Poff says it will also support the wider network of people, services and businesses that keep the regional economy moving, and bring the infrastructure needed for the region’s next phase of growth.
And he notes the significance of the connection to the site’s pre-European past.
“As described by our iwi partners, the name reflects a place where waterways came together and where people have gathered, travelled and traded since the arrival of their tīpuna (ancestors).
“The spirit of connection continues, and today Muriwai represents a new convergence where road, maritime and potential future rail networks meet, and where a place for modern industry, enterprise, connection and investment is being created.”
Discover more about Muriwai Industrial Hub by visiting www.muriwai-hub.co.nz