Analysis
Shaping our slice of heaven
Regions of opportunity
We examine how export growth in key industries can provide significant economic benefits for our diverse regions, and in turn for the country. We present the challenges faced and pose questions on how we can deliver sustainable strategies for growth.
Read the report for full insights, or see the industry and regional overviews below.
Hear from lead author Linda Meade and panelists on the report findings in the video below.
Economic impact
Across all five regions analysed, our modelling revealed significant benefits through achieving export growth targets.
Insights by industry
Tourism – the New Zealand economy would be $11.5 billion larger and there would be 23,100 more jobs if the five regions meet national export growth targets set for tourism.
Agribusiness – the economy would be $4 billion larger and there would be 6,500 more jobs if the five regions meet national export growth targets set for agribusiness.
Food processing – the economy would be $10.6 billion larger and there would be 23,200 more jobs if the five regions meet national export growth targets set for food processing.
Advanced manufacturing – the economy would be $6.1 billion larger and there would be 39,500 more jobs if the five regions achieved the national target for research and development.
Insights by region
Auckland
As New Zealand’s biggest city and its biggest contributor to the national GDP, Auckland can produce significant results with savvy investment. Its strengths lie in tourism, manufacturing and food processing, with the large swatches of construction promising even bigger growth in the future.
Read our modelled predictions for Auckland
Waikato
The country’s fourth largest economy, the farmlands of Waikato have exciting promise. Along with the region’s strengths in agriculture, business and construction, a new freight and logistics centre being built in Hamilton has the potential to capitalise on Waikato’s many connections and increase trade opportunities.
Read our modelled predictions for Waikato
Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne
As a small economy with some emerging sectors, the Hawke’s Bay/Gisborne regions stands to gain the most – in relative terms – from increasing its exports across our industries of opportunity.
Read our modelled predictions for Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne
Wellington
Wellington stands as a cultural and political hub, boasting a thriving technology sector and film industry. It should look to leverage the synergies between the film and creative, food and beverage, and tourism sectors to drive export growth.
Read our modelled predictions for Wellington
Canterbury
A region that has withstood environmental challenges, it has nonetheless built up a strong base in its advanced manufacturing and food processing which presents further opportunity for export growth.
Read our modelled predictions for Canterbury
Building a platform for economic success across our regions
For our regions to thrive and take advantage of the opportunities presented to them, some important questions need be addressed.
Report highlights and panel discussion
Hear an overview from partner, Linda Meade, along with discussion on the report’s findings with Lance Walker, CEO of WellingtonNZ, Chris Roberts, CEO of Tourism Industry Aotearoa, and Mike Chapman, CEO of Horticulture New Zealand.
