An emerging sector is taking flight.

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

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 supporting 1,500 jobs by 2035.

Positioning Timaru as New Zealand’s most welcoming cruise gateway.

We’re welcoming more cruise visitors and growing local value, together through the Journey. to 30 Cruise Strategy.

Tourism is an increasingly important contributor to our district’s economy, generating approximately $473 million in annual visitor spending – creating valuable opportunities for businesses, workers and communities across the Timaru District and wider South Canterbury region.

At Venture Timaru, we see significant potential to build on this momentum through the community-led Journey to 30 strategy. Together, industry, iwi, businesses, tourism operators, PrimePort and local stakeholders have developed a clear pathway to position Timaru as New Zealand’s most welcoming cruise gateway by 2030.

New Zealand’s cruise sector has experienced a 42% decline in port calls over the past two years. In contrast, Timaru is the only New Zealand port forecast to increase its share of national cruise visits.

Our district is uniquely positioned to capture this growth. As the closest cruise port to Aoraki/Mount Cook and the alpine lakes, and strategically located between Christchurch and Dunedin, Timaru offers visitors access to iconic South Island experiences alongside an authentic, walkable coastal destination. Strong community support, high visitor satisfaction and proven operational capability provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

Through Journey to 30, we are working towards attracting 25 to 30 cruise ship visits annually by 2030, creating economic value, increasing visitor spending and supporting local jobs.

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.