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The official website of the Timaru District Tourism Agency

Innovation & Future Growth

205

GDP per fill job Agriculture

NZ $155k

155

GDP per filled job Manufacturing

NZ $135k

38.1

People work in high skilled roles

NZ 41.5%

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Timaru District is well positioned to grow highvalue future industries.

As the district responds to changing populations and the need to attract and retain higher-skilled workers, greater adoption of automation and innovation will be essential to sustaining productivity and enabling future growth.

Local businesses are already investing in new ideas, technologies and processes in response to future markets and changing customer expectations, building resilience while creating pathways into higher-value activity.

That momentum is supported by strong South Island connectivity, available industrial land, energy capability and a collaborative business environment that together create the conditions for innovation, investment and longterm growth across the district.

Together, these advantages position Timaru District to lift productivity, strengthen resilience, attract and support more highly skilled employment, and accelerate innovation across both established and emerging parts of the economy.

Local businesses are actively progressing innovation to ensure resilience and sustainable growth.

EXPLORE LOCAL INNOVATIONS

Growth Sectors

Our focus is on helping new industries take root.

Our priority growth sectors are aerospace, the bioeconomy, agritech and renewable energy. These sectors have been identified for their strong fit with Timaru District’s existing capabilities, infrastructure and market opportunities, and for their potential to create high-value jobs, attract investment and strengthen long-term economic resilience.

Each sector builds from strong local foundations in agriculture, manufacturing, engineering, logistics and food production, while creating practical pathways into more technology-enabled and value-added activity. This includes opportunities in automation, AI, precision farming, drone technology, advanced manufacturing and low-emissions energy systems.

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Locally owned energy infrastructure further strengthens these priorities by supporting renewable generation, microgrids, battery energy storage systems, data centres and low-carbon industrial development.

Through regional partnerships, business innovation programmes and targeted investment attraction, the district is working to grow these sectors in ways that create opportunities for both rural and urban communities and broaden the economic base beyond traditional industries.

Emerging sectors are taking flight.

The global Aerospace economy is projected to grow to a market value of USD 1.8 trillion by 2035.

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Timaru District and South Canterbury businesses are well placed to participate in a global Aerospace economy projected to grow from around USD 630 billion in 2023 to USD 1.8 trillion by 2035.

New Zealand is already the third busiest launch country in the world, and its space sector is worth NZD 2.5 billion to the economy after growing 53% in five years.

Through our role on the steering committee of the Waitaha Canterbury Aerospace Strategy, Venture Timaru is helping ensure the wider South Canterbury district is visible, connected and well positioned to benefit from this growing industry by engaging with local businesses already active in aerospace, alongside those seeking to enter the sector and linking regional capability to an industry the strategy aims to grow into a NZD 1 billion contributor to the Canterbury economy supportinf 1,500 jobs by 2035.

Local businesses are
already supporting global
Aerospace enterprise.

DOWNLOAD THE SOUTH CANTERBURY AEROSPACE CAPABILITY PROSPECTUS

Bioeconomy

Deeply rooted in food and fibre, Timaru District’s bioeconomy is supported by an established manufacturing base and a history of innovation that provides a strong foundation for accelerating advanced manufacturing.

This integrated ecosystem – built over generations connects growers, processors, manufacturers, engineers, logistics providers and global markets, creating the diversity needed to test and apply new ideas in real-world settings across the value chain that will deliver significant value add to domestic and global supply chains and markets.

Agritech

At the intersection of aerospace and the bioeconomy, agritech represents a significant growth opportunity for Timaru District. Our strong primary industries, diverse export markets, and integrated supply chains create an ideal environment for innovation, enabling the testing, refinement, and scaling of solutions with global potential.

Targeted investment in research and development, alongside attracting highly skilled talent, will accelerate the development and commercialisation of new technologies, strengthening the district’s position as a leading hub for agritech innovation and bioeconomy growth.

A renewable future starts here.

South Canterbury is well positioned to lead New Zealand’s Renewable Energy transition.

Anchored by one of the Southern Hemisphere’s largest hydroelectric systems, strategic Transpower infrastructure, and a community-owned electricity distribution network, Timaru district has the capability and resilience to support significant growth.

Renewable energy investment is already underway, with projects across the district being fast-tracked and government-backed as part of New Zealand’s strategy to expand renewable generation and energy security.

The region’s concentration of energy-intensive food processing and manufacturing industries is driving demand for reliable, low-emissions energy, with many businesses pursuing decarbonisation and resilience initiatives. Continued investment in renewable generation, solar adoption, and enabling infrastructure will support business growth, attract new industry, and strengthen regional economic outcomes.

By leveraging our districts energy assets, industrial capability, and community-led infrastructure model, TImaru District and the wider South Canterbury, is well placed to become a nationally significant hub for renewable energy investment and sustainable economic growth.

Significant investment is accelerating plans to become a significant driver of NZ’s energy future.

DOWNLOAD THE RENEWABLE ENERGY INVESTMENT PLAN & PROSPECTUS

Long Term Vision & Planning

Towards 2050 is our district’s long-term vision to grow our economy and community.

The Timaru District is changing. Our population is getting older, fewer babies are being born, and we’re becoming more ethnically diverse. We’re facing challenges like keeping up with workforce demands and making sure our infrastructure is ready for the future.

These changes are opportunities to think differently, to grow together, and to lead the way as a district that’s ready for what’s next.

Towards 2050 was collated with the input and support of over 300 community participants across the entire district. The plan helps organisations, businesses and stakeholders align their own strategies and initiatives to the aspirations of the community, helping to keep the district on track to achieving a prosperous future with real opportunities for future generations.

Venture Timaru plays a key role in advancing key priorities and accelerating transformational projects and initiatives to deliver tangible results that support economic growth and create real opportunities for future generations.

READ THE PLAN AND HELP TRANSFORM OUR DISTRICT TW2050