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Shaping our slice of heaven

Industries of opportunity

Welcome to the first edition of 'Shaping our slice of heaven', a new series from Deloitte Access Economics in New Zealand. The first edition, entitled 'Industries of opportunity', identifies and discusses growth prospects across key Kiwi industries. These industries offer some of the best opportunities for the country’s future economic prosperity.

The New Zealand economy has experienced solid economic growth of late and is now in its seventh consecutive year of expansion. But low productivity and an ageing population here, along with increasing protectionist rhetoric coming from some of our traditional trading partners, have the potential to stall New Zealand’s economic progress.

 

So where can New Zealand look to maximise its future economic prosperity? This report identifies the industries that are expected to experience above average global growth in the next twenty years. It also assesses the comparative advantage of industries here. We believe New Zealand’s industries of opportunity lie at the intersection of global growth and national economic advantage.

These industries of opportunity are:

Each of the industries listed above are expected to achieve above average global growth, in a large part due to the rise of the middle class in emerging economies, an ageing population and the expected pace of global growth in that particular industry. Consumers around the world want many things New Zealand can offer – excellent agricultural and food products, high quality education, the latest health technologies and unique tourism experiences.

This report is a call to action. There are competitors waiting in the wings if we are complacent.

Tourism is New Zealand’s largest export industry and a major contributor to economic prosperity. We have given it the second highest industry advantage score and it is projected to be one of the world’s fastest growing industries.

Opportunities to take full advantage of future growth include better understanding of how the sharing economy is changing the industry, preparing for increasing demand for tourism from Asia, ensuring New Zealand continues to offer a unique visitor experience and more affordable direct air access. Challenges include renewing the infrastructure that supports tourism and maintaining the international visibility of New Zealand as a tourist destination. 

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We have given agribusiness the highest industry advantage score for New Zealand and the industry will be among the fastest growing worldwide over the next twenty years. New Zealand can be a long-term winner in agribusiness by focusing its strategy more on growing value than growing volume, and we identify practical solutions to contribute to this shift.

However, there are a number of disruptors with the potential to transform the industry and affect any value-driven strategy. Global megatrends including demographic shifts, climate change and greater value chain integration will intensify disruption in the industry, while new customer preferences and the development of agricultural technologies are accelerating the speed of disruption. 

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New Zealand is in a good position to take full advantage of opportunities in the food processing industry. Consumers are increasingly looking beyond the traditional preferences of price, taste and convenience, to include health and wellness, safety, social impact and experience. This shift in what lies behind food purchasing decisions presents a meaningful opportunity for the food processing industry. New Zealand offers a diverse range of products that address these evolving drivers.

However, future success will require both adapting to changing demographics and consumer preferences, as well as managing in an increasingly global and complex business environment.  New Zealand food processors will need to collaborate across the value chain more effectively, while adapting to a marketing environment influenced by the reach of new media and social networks. 

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New Zealand has been able to achieve success in the international education industry. This industry is currently the fourth largest export earner and there are over 130,000 international students participating at all levels of education and contributing to a vibrant and prosperous New Zealand.

But students are more mobile and flexible about the location and timing of their study than ever before. And technology is changing the way education is purchased, experienced and consumed, extending international education markets beyond their established geographic and service boundaries. 

The changing nature of the international education landscape means New Zealand’s opportunity is evolving. Focusing on targeted strategies for international collaboration, and being in front of the innovation curve for online studies, could help deliver significant benefits for New Zealand’s international education industry.

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New Zealand is in a good position to take advantage of the opportunities within this industry. The advanced manufacturing industry is a revelation in New Zealand, having experienced significant growth in export earnings, as well as a material increase in foreign direct investment (FDI), in recent years. Health technology is the industry’s largest export sector, followed by generic pharmaceuticals and scientific technology.

But there are big challenges to address. To take full advantage of the global opportunities in the industry, New Zealand needs to be internationally connected through trade and investment, and the flow of people and ideas. Business and government will need to take bold steps to realise the full opportunity that exists in the industry. This can help advanced manufacturing support greater diversification of exports and become one of the biggest drivers of prosperity.

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