Kawakawa Road Industrial Precinct is the District’s designated hub for industrial growth over 74 hectares of prime, zoned industrial land in Feilding. Strategically connected to State Highways 3 and 54 and located near the Manawatū Wastewater Treatment Plant, the precinct provides the essential infrastructure and services businesses need to establish, expand, and thrive.
Already home to a growing number of firms, the precinct reflects Council’s vision for a well-serviced, connected industrial hub. One that supports jobs, productivity, and sustainable growth, while keeping businesses close to key transport routes and both urban and rural communities.
Below, you can explore current projects, recently completed upgrades, and planned works that are building the precinct’s capability for now and into the future.
Turners Road
Turners Road plays a key role in the industrial growth framework for the Manawatū District. The planned extension will unlock access to an additional 24 hectares of high-quality industrial land, a total road length of 1250m and create a vital link for a trade waste line connecting key industrial areas with the Manawatū Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The project is being delivered in stages:
- Stage One - Completed
Stage One included the installation of a right-turn bay on Kawakawa Road and the construction of Turners Road from the Kawakawa Road intersection to the stormwater culvert. This stage was completed in 2024 and officially opened on Monday 26 February with contractors, consultants, Elected Members, and Council officers in attendance. - Stage Two - Scheduled for 2025
Stage Two will connect the existing section of Turners Road with the new Stage One extension, further enhancing access and connectivity within the precinct.
L to R: Michael Butcher (Central Demolition), Marc Clinch (BuiltSmart), Ian Butcher (Central Demolition), Mayor Helen Worboys, Rob James (Central ITM), Rachel McKay (Reese Agri) join to cut the official ribbon opening stage one of Turners Road extension.
Turners Road Reservoir
The Turners Road Reservoir is a key piece of infrastructure, designed to provide security and resilience for both Feilding’s water supply and the Kawakawa Road Industrial Precinct. Strategically located on the Feilding side of the Oroua river, it not only supports the town’s daily water needs but also serves as a dedicated water source in the event of a fire or civil defence emergency.
Construction began in early 2025 and is on track for completion in September 2025. While it may appear from the outside to be a simple reservoir, its internal engineering tells a much more sophisticated story.
The floor was poured in a single continuous slab, with a precise network of latticed steel strands laid within the concrete. As the concrete began to cure, the strands were repeatedly post-tensioned to ensure there are no cracks or joins. The walls, each 300mm thick, were prefabricated in Hastings by Concrete Structures NZ Ltd and delivered ready for installation.
With a footprint of 24.4m x 21.5m, and at 5.5m high, the reservoir has the capacity to hold 2 million litres of treated water, making it only slightly smaller than an Olympic swimming pool. A neighbouring pump station connects it directly to the Feilding network, ensuring reliable integration into the wider system.
Its location offers a dual benefit: for Feilding, it provides a secure water source even in the event of an emergency; for the Kawakawa Road Industrial Precinct, it delivers peace of mind that their operations are backed by a robust, dedicated water supply in the event of a fire.
