Business

With a robust economy, diverse industry sectors and healthy growth, South Canterbury offers unrivalled opportunities for business right across the three districts of Timaru, Mackenzie and Waimate. With confidence to start new, expand on existing, business investment into the area, you will find your place here.

Strategically located in the centre of New Zealand’s South Island, the thriving port in Timaru supports freight and logistics import/export industry hubs essential to South Canterbury and the national economy. Extensive warehousing and storage capacity is complemented with opportunities for further development.

Major industry and employers such as PrimePort, Fonterra Clandeboye and Studholme Dairy, Oceania Dairy, Holcim Cement terminal, Alpine Energy, McCains, DB Mainland Breweries, NZ Light Leathers, Alliance Group Smithfield meat processing plant and Barker's of Geraldine are amongst significant businesses who choose South Canterbury as a base for manufacturing and distribution.

Leaders in added-value production and recognised as the ‘food bowl’ of New Zealand, South Canterbury attracts a wide spectrum of national and internationally recognised brands working alongside robust local businesses all operating within a vibrant, innovative environment.