Words: Kyle Cassidy
Published 11 May 2026
Honda New Zealand is preparing to relocate its national vehicle distribution operations from Nelson to Auckland, bringing to an end almost 40 years of large-scale distribution activity in the region.
The move, expected to take place later this year, is being driven by changes to Honda’s logistics network and a push for greater operational efficiency. Around 10 positions are currently expected to be redeployed into Honda’s Auckland dealership operations, although discussions are ongoing and the final impact on Nelson-based staff has yet to be confirmed.
A Honda spokesperson says the current setup no longer makes logistical sense for the business.
“Cars come into New Zealand via Auckland with most sold in the North Island. Currently they come in, transfer to Nelson for pre-delivery, then transfer back to Auckland,” the spokesperson says.
“The new setup will allow us to complete pre-delivery close to where vehicles are imported, eliminating unnecessary transfers and reducing handling costs.”
While national distribution activities will cease at the Wakatu Industrial Estate facility, Honda will continue operating its local sales, parts and servicing business from the nearby Elms Street site.
Questions remain over the future location of Honda’s historic vehicle collection currently housed in Nelson, although the company has confirmed the collection itself will not be sold.
Nick Smith says the closure will have wider economic consequences for the region, particularly for local infrastructure and port operations.
“This will impact on both Nelson and Tasman Councils as joint shareholders,” Smith says.
Honda vehicles account for roughly half of all imported cars moving through Port Nelson, with the departure expected to reduce annual port revenue by approximately $150,000.
Smith also expressed concern about the impact on long-serving staff members and says discussions are underway with the Ministry of Social Development to assist affected workers with support and employment opportunities.
“It is part of a worrying global trend of businesses basing themselves in major cities for scale and centralisation,” Smith says.
Honda’s ties to Nelson stretch back to 1988, when the company purchased the former Nelson Motor Vehicle Assembly Plant. Over the following decade, the site received significant investment, including a new paint facility in 1991 and what became New Zealand’s first and only engine assembly line in 1995.
Local vehicle assembly operations eventually ended in 1998 after the removal of tariffs on imported vehicles made domestic production economically unfeasible. Honda later shifted its distribution activities to the Wakatu Industrial Estate site in 2001.
