Port Nelson has deployed a private 5G network built with Spark New Zealand and Ericsson to bring high‑availability, enterprise‑grade connectivity to the port’s warehouses in Nelson and Blenheim where traditional Wi‑Fi had struggled to keep pace with operational demands.
The port handles a mix of forestry products, pipfruit, wine, and seafood, with warehouse teams relying on real‑time pallet scanning to maintain inventory accuracy.
However, dense block‑stacking layouts and complex site geometry created persistent Wi-Fi dead zones that force forklift operators to adjust workflows simply to stay connected.
“Connectivity was becoming a real operational constraint for us. No matter how much we tried to saturate our warehouses with Wi‑Fi, we couldn’t get consistent performance,” said Reagan Pattison, General Manager Business Transformation of Port Nelson.
The private 5G network covers about 30,000 square metres across three warehouses. Small‑cell radios deliver pervasive indoor and outdoor coverage, while ruggedised routers mounted on forklifts provide dual‑SIM connectivity, switching between public and private 5G as vehicles move around the site.
“By using Private 5G, Port Nelson now has a dedicated network using the latest cellular wireless capabilities, that can support real‑time operations today while providing a strong foundation for future digital innovation,” said Ian Ross, Head of Private Networks ANZ at Ericsson Enterprise Wireless Solutions.
Following the deployment, there is predictable, low‑latency wireless performance that supports uninterrupted pallet scanning, smoother workflows and improved operator satisfaction.
Safety focus
Safety is another major focus. A digital push‑to‑talk system running on the private 5G network will enhance real‑time communications and enable location‑based alerts to help separate workers from heavy machinery. Future applications include geofencing, broadcast messaging, and more advanced engineered safety controls.
In the future, Port Nelson plans to explore real‑time asset tracking, predictive maintenance, AI‑enabled vision systems, enhanced CCTV, and automation to further strengthen productivity and safety across the port.
“Port Nelson is a great example of how private 5G is unlocking new value for New Zealand businesses operating in complex, production‑critical environments,” said Greg Clark, Chief Customer Officer of Spark.
Entelechy Asia 