As the Auckland market continued to grow the transfer of products through the Refinery to Auckland pipeline was rapidly approaching the maximum that the existing system could handle. To increase the capacity of the pipeline a new pumping station was built at Wellsford. This remotely operated facility has the capacity to increase the pipeline flow by almost 30%. As further growth in the Auckland market continues a further pumping station will be built at Kumeu.

More Environmental Pressures

With the world-wide trend to lower engine emissions the Refinery has been pro-active in finding ways to improve the specifications of its products. We are already supplying lower sulphur diesel for the Auckland Market and are looking at new investment options to lower sulphur in diesel further and to reduce benzene in gasoline in line with new Government specifications.

Another of the significant challenges to the Refinery are the problems posed by global warming and the national and international response to this complex, political issue. As a responsible member of the community and society at large the Refinery is keen to play its part but it is also imperative that this is done in a way that does not impact on the international competitiveness of the company.

The Visitors Centre and Refinery Model

A major tool of the expansion project in the mid-1980’s was the scale model of the new, expanded refinery. The model was to be scrapped at the end of the project but many people had taken interest in the refinery during the expansion years, so a visitor’s centre was built to house the model. The model was supplemented by a sound and light show to explain the scope and scale of the project. The visitor’s centre was, and continues to be, a major PR asset to the company, attracting some 32,000 visitor’s per annum.

A new exhibition area and a new audio-visual show was developed in 1998 to change the emphasis from the building of the refinery to the day to day operation of the refinery and the role it plays in the NZ economy. Schools from all over the area pay regular visits to the centre to gain a greater insight into the running of a complex industrial process.

The Future

As the future challenges continue to face the Refinery, not least of which is remaining competitive in the international market, it will require a highly trained and motivated workforce. The dedicated NZRC team is committed to the ongoing success of the company.

It is our vision to be the supplier of “first choice” in the New Zealand oil products market now and into the future.