The Waikato region is one of the most productive in New Zealand. Its prime location and diverse economy are the springboard for innovation and industry.
The region is an agricultural powerhouse and a key contributor to New Zealand's dairy industry. It has strengths in manufacturing and is well supported by strong science, research and professional services sectors.
Why Invest?
Ambitious Workforce
Employers in the Waikato region enjoy access to a young, educated and ambitious workforce.
With an average age of 32, 40% of our workforce has a degree or higher level of education. Our region is also home to around 40,000 students and boasts an unemployment rate of just 3.8%
When it comes to continuing education and professional development, the Waikato has a selection of quality education providers and learning institutions to choose from including:
- The University of Waikato
- The Waikato Institute of Technology (WINTEC)
- Te Wānanga o Aotearoa
- Research and Tech Hub
Cost Competitive
When compared to other regions, the Waikato is especially competitive when it comes to the cost of doing business.
The cost of office and warehouse space, housing, labour and utilities represents excellent value for money.
According to Colliers 2019 industrial national review, commercial leases for warehouses in Hamilton average $105-$130/sqm per annum and for offices average $170-$220/sqm per annum. These are for net prime rentals.
The average house price in the Waikato is $745,00 compared to the national average of $785,000. As an indication of the cost of labour, $109,263 is the mean annual earnings in the Waikato.
Well-Connected
Centrally located in the heart of the upper North Island, the Waikato is located on a nationally significant infrastructure corridor.
The region is part of the ‘golden triangle’ connecting Hamilton, Auckland and Tauranga, which also provides access to a sizable labour market of more than 3 million people.
Businesses based in the Waikato take advantage of its prime location near key logistics and freight hubs.
Primary and manufacturing exports are sent to markets through major sea ports at Auckland and Tauranga, each about 90 minutes away by road.
Over recent years the Government has invested more per capita in Waikato roading and communications infrastructure than in any other region.
Liveable
Those who live and work in the Waikato enjoy a quality of life rivalled by few.
Synonymous with clean green open spaces, the Waikato is also home to some of our country’s most magnificent lakes, mountains and beaches. These landscapes, along with a selection of world-class, purpose-built facilities, has seen high performance sport thrive in our region.
The Waikato has an emerging gastronomic and café culture meaning we are spoilt for choice when it comes to restaurants, bars and eateries.
For those with families, the Waikato region offers affordable childcare options together with high-quality education facilities.
The Waikato is culturally rich and diverse, with a number of events, exhibitions and experiences, which celebrate our proud Māori and Pakeha heritage.
Thriving Sectors
The Waikato is home to one of the world’s most productive primary agricultural sectors.
Our abundance of fertile land has enabled us to thrive as a dairy production powerhouse and earn a reputation as a food basket for New Zealand and the world.
Our region’s primary industries are supported by robust sectors in technology and high-value manufacturing. The Waikato is one of our country’s fastest growing tech sectors, with agri-tech in particular continuing to grow at an exponential rate.