Mitre 10 Tauranga Distribution Centre
17/02/2026
Case Study: Engineering Structural Certainty for High-Velocity Distribution
As distribution facilities scale, storage systems must evolve beyond simply holding stock. In modern high-capacity warehouses, racking behaves as a primary structural frame that must safely resist static loads, forklift impacts, and seismic actions.
At the Mitre 10 Tauranga Distribution Centre, Brevity delivered the structural and seismic engineering for a large-scale Integrated Racking Structure (IRS). The project required a PS1 Producer Statement confirming compliance with NZ Building Code Clause B1.
The Challenge: Racking is Structure, Not Furniture
Treating warehouse racking as "equipment" is a significant risk for facility operators. Poorly validated systems can lead to:
- Slab Overstress: Excessive point loads causing settlement or cracking.
- Seismic Vulnerability: Lack of predictable performance during an earthquake.
- Operational Constraints: Reduced load capacities that limit stock flexibility.
The Solution: Predictable Engineering via Modelling
Brevity engineered the IRS to function as a unified structural element. By carefully modelling load paths, we ensured the system could safely support heavy-duty pallet loads while resisting wind and seismic forces acting on the tall rack frames
The engineering scope followed rigorous NZ standards:
- AS/NZS 1170 for load assessment.
- NZS 1170.5 for specific seismic design.
- AS 4084 for steel storage racking performance.
Key Industry Takeaways
- Slab Integrity Matters: Engineering must account for how rack loads transfer into the building foundations to prevent long-term structural damage.
- IRS Compliance: Integrated Racking Structures require formal certification (PS1) to meet local council and insurance requirements.
- Repeatable Rollouts: Standardising the engineering framework allows manufacturers to deploy compliant systems across multiple sites without reinventing the compliance process each time.
- Risk Reduction: Predictable structural performance provides directors and facility managers with long-term operational confidence.
Outcome
The Mitre 10 Tauranga facility now benefits from a fully compliant, high-capacity storage system. By treating racking as a structural asset, we’ve provided a pathway for the facility to operate safely under heavy demand for years to come. When engineering is repeatable, growth becomes straightforward.
Relevant resources
Engineering New Zealand — Producer Statements Guidance
Explains PS1 and PS4 statements used for consent compliance.
https://www.engineeringnz.org/engineer-tools/engineering-documents/producer-statements/
AS/NZS 1170 Structural Design Actions
Standards governing load assessment for buildings and structures.
https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-nzs-1170-0-2002
NZS 1170.5 Earthquake Actions Standard
Defines seismic design requirements in New Zealand.
https://www.standards.govt.nz/shop/nzs-1170-52004/
AS 4084 Steel Storage Racking Design Standard
Primary standard governing steel storage rack design and performance.
https://store.standards.org.au/product/as-4084-1-2023
MBIE Building Performance — NZ Building Code Clause B1 Structure
Guidance supporting structural compliance requirements.
https://www.building.govt.nz/building-code-compliance/b-stability/b1-structure/
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