Summarised by Centrist
New Zealand’s largest parcel processing centre has officially launched its international operation in Wiri, South Auckland.
Government officials hailed its new 3D screening technology as a “game changer” for catching drugs and biosecurity threats before they reach Kiwi homes.
The $250 million Auckland Processing Centre (APC) now houses NZ Post, Customs, and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) under one roof, allowing real-time cooperation across agencies.
The site can process up to 30,000 parcels an hour and handles all North Island mail. “It’s a very big, important site,” said NZ Post CEO David Walsh.
During a media tour, officers intercepted meth hidden in seaweed and ketamine disguised in a coat hanger. Customs’ Braden Harris said the new 3D scanning system had revolutionised their work: “It’s been a game-changer… we’re actually able to use data and visuals to proactively identify risks.”
The system aims to reduce manual inspections, enabling targeted checks without slowing parcel flow. MPI’s Mike Inglis said the facility supports a $54 billion primary industry: “We don’t want foot and mouth disease in the country. This technology helps focus on the highest threats.”
Ministers Simeon Brown, Casey Costello and Andrew Hoggard attended the opening. Brown noted that NZ Post is expected to deliver a return on taxpayer funds: “As post declines and parcels grow, they must stay competitive. This is modern infrastructure doing its job.”
