Christchurch growth sectors driving future city growth

Five growth sectors driving Christchurch's future

A deliberate, collaborative focus on Christchurch’s five growth sectors could deliver billions of dollars in economic impact over the next decade, while lifting productivity and building long-term resilience for the city and region.

What are growth sectors and why do they matter?

Targeting growth sectors – industries where a city has a clear local advantage, real scale to create impact, and existing momentum – is widely recognised as international best practice for driving productivity and sustainable prosperity.

Head of Growth Sectors at ChristchurchNZ, Delis Fraser, says the city is backing sectors where Christchurch can genuinely compete on the world stage.

Why is ChristchurchNZ focusing on sector-based growth?

ChristchurchNZ’s strategy is anchored in five growth sectors with the strongest potential to deliver economic, environmental and social impact, while supporting the city’s ambition to become a regenerative economy.

“We focus where global opportunity, local advantage and real momentum come together – that’s where Christchurch can make the biggest difference,” Fraser says

What are Christchurch’s growth sectors?

• Aerospace and future transport – developing advanced aerospace and transport technologies, harnessing Canterbury’s clear skies and test-bed infrastructure.  
• Christchurch Antarctic gateway – linking Christchurch to global Antarctic and Southern Ocean science, climate research, logistics and diplomacy, unlocking economic growth, innovation and long-term capability for NZ.
• Healthtech – developing innovative biomedical technologies, devices and digital health solutions that improve lives. 
• Cleantech – creating low-emissions energy and industrial technologies that accelerate the transition to a sustainable economy. 
• Bioeconomy – transforming food, fibre and natural resources into high-value products through science and innovation. 

What is ChristchurchNZ doing to grow these sectors?

ChristchurchNZ is playing a lead role by bringing together industry leaders, businesses, investors, researchers and decision‑makers to strengthen these sectors, accelerate innovation and lift productivity.

How does a long‑term growth sector strategy benefit the city?

This long‑term, sector‑based approach is based on international economic development best practice, and designed to unlock new opportunities, support companies to grow and scale internationally, and deliver lasting economic, environmental and social benefits for Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region.

Want to get involved?

ChristchurchNZ is keen to share and amplify the stories of businesses working within the city’s growth sectors, help them connect and surface new ideas and opportunities.

Many Christchurch Economic Ambition endorsers are already active in these sectors – or working alongside businesses who are. We’d love to hear from you.

If your work connects to Christchurch’s growth sectors, or you have a story idea to share, get in touch by emailing.

Key takeaways

• Christchurch’s growth sectors focus investment where the city has global advantage
• Sector‑based economic development lifts productivity and resilience
• Five targeted industries will drive future city growth and innovation
• Collaboration is central to unlocking long‑term economic impact.