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Make Timaru Your Business

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

245

HH Index

NZ 489 (less diversified economy)

205

Agriculture Productivity

NZ $155k

155

Manufacturing Productivity

NZ $135k

38.1

People work in high skilled roles

NZ 41.5%

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Timaru District offers businesses and investors an ambitious, connected, and future-focused place to operate and grow.

Home to a diverse mix of industries and business ownership, Timaru District is resilient, productive, and well placed to adapt to changing markets and support long-term commercial success.

With an economy that is more diversified than many districts across New Zealand, and strong productivity across agriculture, manufacturing, and construction, Timaru District has a proven history of investment, innovation, and sustained growth.

From owner-operated enterprises to major employers, businesses of all sizes succeed here – supported by local confidence, growing self-employment and continued investment from both homegrown and international firms.

Strategic location & Market access

Timaru District plays a strategic role in major operators’ supply chains and export pathways.

EXPLORE THE BRANDS WHO OPERATE HERE

Located in the heart of the South Island, Timaru District gives exporters, manufacturers, processors, and logistics operators a genuine operating advantage.

With 80% of the South Island population within a 2.5-hour drive, and strong connections by road, rail, sea, and air, businesses here can move products efficiently, reach key markets quickly, and scale with confidence. PrimePort Timaru strengthens that advantage by providing an important freight gateway for domestic distribution and international trade.

In 2025, Fonterra committed NZD 75 million to expand butter production at its Clandeboye site, increasing capacity to serve growing global demand and key international markets.

The investment reinforces Timaru District’s role as a base for high-value, export-focused production.

Primeport Timaru
moved 82,285
containers last year.

MAKE TIMARU YOUR BUSINESS

FIND OUT MORE ABOUT OUR LOCAL ECONOMY

Innovation, Productivity &
Future Growth

Business growth in the
Timaru District is
powered by innovation,
productivity and investment.

EXPLORE LOCAL INNOVATIONS & BUSINESS SUCCESS STORIES

Timaru District has a strong track record of transforming sector strength into commercial success through innovation, productivity and collaboration. At the centre of this success is an integrated ecosystem where growers, processors, manufacturers, logistics providers and customers operate in close proximity, creating the ideal environment for businesses to innovate, refine products and scale with confidence.

Short, vertically integrated supply chains improve responsiveness, traceability and efficiency, while strong local partnerships and continued investment from both local entrepreneurs and international investors provide the capital, market access and long-term certainty needed for sustainable growth.

Timaru District and the wider South Canterbury has evolved into a highly connected production ecosystem that supports value-added manufacturing, advanced processing and export growth. Our diversity and shared commitment to quality enable businesses to remain resilient, competitive and well positioned for long-term growth in an increasingly uncertain global market.

Business thrives here

Across our district, thriving businesses share a common foundation: innovation, diversification, and investment. From multi-generational family enterprises to internationally backed exporters, these success stories demonstrate how local ambition, strategic thinking, and confidence to invest create lasting growth.

VIEW ALL BUSINESS SUCCESS STORIES

Across generations and industries, innovation and local and global investment are driving success across our district.

Heartland Potato Chips

Heartland seized the opportunity to invest locally following a major corporate exit, leveraging grower expertise and strong supply chains to build long-term value.

Juice Products NZ (JP-NZ)

JP-NZ’s growth into a globally significant exporter, backed by Sumitomo Corporation, reflects the district’s ability to attract international investment and scale high-value businesses.

Dan Cosgrove Ltd

From a self-employed plumber to a nationally recognised manufacturing, engineering and roofing business, the Cosgrove family have continued to innovate and diversify, adapting to changing markets while remaining firmly rooted in Timaru.

We’re here.
Where are you?

For businesses and investors seeking a location that balances operational practicality with long-term strategic opportunity, the Timaru District represents a smart and future-ready investment choice.

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A practical business environment

We are a district that proactively balances operational practicality with long-term strategic opportunity.

EXPLORE TIMARU DISTRICTS LONG TERM ASPIRATIONAL PLAN

We are a district that proactively balances operational practicality with long-term strategic opportunity.

The Timaru District offers a practical, future-focused business environment where companies can establish, grow, and invest with confidence.

Competitive operating costs, available industrial land, reliable infrastructure, and essential services create the ideal conditions for efficient operations and long-term scalability.

What sets our district apart is our commitment to sustainable growth and future industry development.

Affordable water supply, advanced wastewater services, and significant investment in infrastructure by our community-owned energy company are helping position Timaru as a leader in New Zealand’s renewable and decarbonised energy future.

Local businesses, particularly within primary industries and manufacturing are already benefiting from proactive support to transition to renewable energy systems, enabling increased production capacity, stronger sustainability outcomes, and greater resilience to future compliance demands.

Combined with a strong network of skilled trades, professional services, and access to regional training and tertiary institutions, Timaru provides businesses and investors with the capability, workforce, and infrastructure needed to thrive.

Join a thriving network of brands

We actively support businesses looking to establish, invest, relocate, or expand.

From identifying development opportunities to connecting businesses with local networks, capability, and expertise, we work alongside investors and business owners to help them establish with confidence and grow for the long term.

Take the next step and reach out to
Nigel Davenport, CEO, Venture TImaru
for a confidential chat.

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