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The official site of the Timaru District Economic Development & Tourism Agency

Our
Workforce

Our district is powered by skilled people and strong industries.

FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31 MARCH 2025

60

Of our population
is of working age.

NZ 65%

96

Of our working age
population are employed

NZ 94.7%

122

Is the average
household income

EXPLORE LIFE IN THE TIMARU DISTRICT

Our economy is supported by a diverse and well-balanced mix of industries that create opportunity across multiple sectors.

Manufacturing employs 19% of the workforce, healthcare, and social services 11%, and agriculture, forestry, and fishing 10%. Together, manufacturing, agriculture and construction represent the top three contributing industries to the district’s GDP and account for 39% of all local jobs. This reflects a highly productive economy that also supports growth across a wide range of supporting sectors – logistics, engineering, IT and professional services, provide the capability needed for everyday operations and expansions.

Our low unemployment highlights a strong culture of employment, skills development, and career progression. Local employers are actively opening new and evolving career pathways.

Future ready careers & pathways

Timaru District Employers are backing people to grow, lead and belong.

EXPLORE EMERGING INDUSTRIES & GROWTH SECTORS

Worklife in the district is being shaped by a shared ambition: to create workplaces where people can build secure, rewarding futures while contributing to a confident, future-ready economy.

Across the district, employers are investing in training, embracing innovation, supporting leadership development and creating environments where people can belong, grow and succeed.

Strong pathways from education into employment, alongside opportunities for lifelong learning, are helping build a workforce that is adaptable, skilled and ready for the future.

As Timaru District grows, so too does the opportunity to strengthen highly skilled and knowledge-intensive industries that complement our established economic strengths. By combining innovation, specialist expertise and a productive workforce, our district is well positioned to grow existing industries, support emerging sectors and compete in higher-value markets that create lasting prosperity for businesses, workers and their families and the wider community.