Prioritize WMS and API connectivity, dock capacity and turn times, SLA and accuracy metrics, labor reliability and peak flexibility, and carrier partnerships for last-mile delivery. Also evaluate value-added services (kitting, returns), insurance and security standards, and location-driven transit time advantages.

Closer proximity reduces short-haul line-haul charges, shortens lead times to the North Island via ferry, and enables faster airfreight consolidation. This typically lowers landed and expedited shipping costs and supports tighter SLAs for time-sensitive or high-value SKUs.

Require robust WMS with real-time inventory, EDI/API integration, configurable SLA reporting, strong inventory reconciliation processes, and support for multi-channel order routing. Confirm capacity planning, seasonal labor pools, and contingency plans for peak harvest or promo periods.

Seasonal peaks increase short-term space and labor needs, so negotiate flexible rent/throughput pricing, temporary labor clauses, and volume-based rate tiers. Incorporate buffer capacity, cross-dock options, and clear ramp-up lead times into contracts to manage variability without permanent fixed-cost increases.