Investing In Christchurch
Ōtautahi Christchurch is a city buzzing with potential, offering exciting opportunities for investors and businesses. ChristchurchNZ is here to support you every step of the way, providing the connections and expertise you need to grow and succeed.
Why Christchurch?
Christchurch is an emerging hub for innovation, with key strengths in health tech, aerospace, future transport, agritech, and hi-tech solutions. Backed by a collaborative ecosystem of business, education, and government, the city offers strong growth potential for forward-thinking companies. It’s a place where bold ideas thrive and global opportunities take shape.
Christchurch Business Clusters
Christchurch is a city built for the future, offering a thriving environment for sustainable, forward-thinking businesses. The city's global growth industries are leading the way in health tech, future transport, food, fibre and agritech, and hi-tech solutions. Discover exciting investment opportunities in industries shaping tomorrow.
Christchurch Success Stories
Ōtautahi Christchurch is home to some of the most exciting businesses, entrepreneurs and talent in New Zealand. Fostered by a supportive and purpose-driven ecosystem, these businesses are increasingly going global. Find out more about why they've chosen Christchurch as their base – and how the city has helped them thrive.
Christchurch Economy
Christchurch and the supporting Canterbury economy have an established economic diversity - historically known as an agriculture region with strong manufacturing ties the city has a strong base to support a diverse range of hi-tech, aerospace and health businesses.
Cost Of Doing Business
Christchurch’s major advantage over other urban areas in New Zealand is the lower operational cost of conducting business, in part due to lower-cost office space and lower wages, making the city an economically viable location.
How We Can Help
Our Innovation and Business growth team is part of a strong, collaborative network of city stakeholders – let us show you why Christchurch is a great place for investment. Whether you're looking to invest, start a business, or expand an existing one, we ensure a smooth, tailored experience that balances opportunity, support, and community.
Here’s how we can support you:
- Navigating the Investment Ecosystem: We help you understand Christchurch’s investment landscape and connect you with the right resources.
- Guidance on funding options: We offer expert advice on how to get ready for investment and find the best funding opportunities for your needs.
- Building connections: Our extensive network of local stakeholders, businesses, and investors ensures you're introduced to the right people.
- Letters of support: We provide letters of support to help strengthen your proposals and increase your chances of success.
- Feasibility studies: We assist with in-depth feasibility studies to ensure your ideas have the foundation they need to grow.
Stefan Powell, Dawn Aerospace CEOChristchurch is a remarkably efficient city for getting things done. The city’s size makes it easier to navigate local networks and connect with key people who can drive projects forward.
Investment Opportunities
Mainland Angel Investors connects angel investors with local founders seeking investment. MAI is passionate about supporting regional businesses with high growth potential, offering more than just funding. They provide valuable knowledge, mentorship, connections, and operational support to help startups thrive and accelerate growth.
New Zealand Trade & Enterprise – Invest New Zealand
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is the New Zealand Government’s international economic development agency, offering a free service to foster a vibrant investment market. NZTE focuses on value-add investments that benefit investors, businesses, and the country. With a global team leveraging extensive networks and expertise, NZTE connects investment opportunities to New Zealand’s unique potential.
Success Stories
A Rising Hub For Aerospace Innovation And Investment
Ōtautahi Christchurch has emerged as a centre for aerospace innovation. With clear airways, proximity to international air and sea ports, and access to infrastructure and talent, Christchurch is New Zealand’s hub for aerospace and future transport innovation – and the opportunities for growth are endless.
Grater Goods: Christchurch's Plant-Based Pioneer
Grater Goods is a thriving plant-based delicatessen that embodies innovation and sustainability. Founder Flip Grater attributes much of her success to the strong support network within Christchurch, including ChristchurchNZ and the Ministry of Awesome. Through incubator programmes and NZTE partnerships, she gained access to vital resources and investment opportunities, helping her feel supported as her business grew.
Connect With The Team
Paul Wilkinson - Head Of Commercial And Skills Attraction
Paul brings extensive international and local economic development experience to ChristchurchNZ, specialising in foreign investment promotion, trade facilitation, and economic analysis. With a background as a small business owner, he understands both public and private sector dynamics, focusing on initiatives that create mutually beneficial outcomes. Passionate about Christchurch, Paul connects with local companies to support their growth and drive investment and job creation.
Matthew Dwan - Investment & Business Attraction Specialist
Matthew drives investment and business growth in Christchurch through strategic planning and market initiatives. He develops regional propositions, fosters relationships in the start-up and investor ecosystems, and promotes them to key stakeholders. With experience in founding businesses and leadership roles in Christchurch’s earthquake recovery, Matthew excels in planning, operations, and growth. Passionate about conscious capitalism and empowering communities, he focuses on delivering significant economic impact by aligning stakeholders and driving growth.
