Palmerston North Integrated Transport Initiative

Land use

The Palmerston North Integrated Transport Initiative (PNITI) plays a critical role in shaping how the city grows by managing the transport network to support both residential and industrial development.

As Palmerston North expands, we need to ensure safe and efficient connections between homes, workplaces, and industrial hubs. This initiative includes key projects designed to accommodate new developments, reduce congestion, and improve access, helping the city to meet the needs of its growing population and economy.

Through strategic planning and investment, PNITI aims to create transport infrastructure that not only meets current demands but also prepares Palmerston North for future growth. This ensures that new residential areas and industrial zones are well-connected, contributing to the city's economic development while improving the quality of life for residents.

Key projects include:

Te Utanganui central distribution hub

Te Utanganui is a freight, logistics, and distribution hub that cements the role of Palmerston North and Manawatū as an integral part of New Zealand’s national and international trade networks.

For more information, click over to our Te Utanganui page.

Kākātangiata

The proposed Kākātangiata urban growth area is next to Palmy’s western boundary. It is one of several areas around the city we intend to rezone to meet our forecasted housing demand over the next 30 years.

Find more information about this on our Kākātangiata urban growth area page.

Medium density housing

Instead of enabling housing intensification everywhere, we're proposing to create a new Medium Density Residential Zone around places within a walkable distance to parks, shops, schools and public transport.

Ashhurst residential growth

The proposed Ashhurst Growth Areas include five sites identified for residential development in the future according to the Future Development Strategy. This would enable more homes to be built.

Read more about the Proposed Ashhurst Growth Areas

KiwiRail regional freight hub

KiwiRail proposed to develop a new intermodal rail and freight hub near Bunnythorpe.

In April 2021 KiwiRail lodged a Notice of Requirement to designate land for constructing and operating the freight hub. Submissions were invited and the public hearing, overseen by independent commissioners, finished on October 15, 2021.

The designation became operative on 13 June 2023.

Read more about the KiwiRail regional freight hub.

KiwiRail Tremaine Avenue site

More details to come.

Mātangi residential zoning

Mātangi (Whiskey Creek) residential area private plan change rezones land for residential use. It became operative on 22 March 2023.

Napier Road residential extension area

This plan change rezoned land between Roberts Line and the Napier Road Drain to enable more housing. The plan change became operative on 21 April 2021.

Whakarongo residential area

More details to come.