Why Christchurch

A major advantage that Ōtautahi Christchurch holds over other major urban areas in New Zealand is a lower operational cost of doing business.

From relatively affordable commercial space to lower employee costs, the cost of entry is lower for new businesses wanting to establish themselves, especially during the start-up phase. This city is primed for businesses to take advantage.

Ōtautahi Christchurch is a test bed city, where existing strengths in tech and manufacturing make for rapid prototyping and innovation.

The city has a focus on our Clusters, areas of regional strength and global opportunity, including aerospace and future transport, hi-tech services, health tech and resilient communities, and food, fibre and agritech.

Ōtautahi Christchurch is one of the most economically resilient and fastest growing areas in New Zealand. We’ve learnt a fair bit about overcoming challenges beyond our control, and our established economic diversity has created a strong level of resilience and a focus on future economic growth.

Named by NZ Entrepreneur Magazine as New Zealand’s ‘start-up boomtown’, Ōtautahi Christchurch has the perfect testing environment and business culture to give new ideas a go.

The city collaborates with tertiaries and innovation incubators to create pathways for smart ideas to quickly get the support needed to develop, grow and ultimately create more world-class businesses.

It’s easy to do business here and connect with other like-minded innovators.

George Wills Managing Director at Media Suite says explains it perfectly – “Other cities are a lot more cut-throat, you’d never be having a beer with your competitor and telling them how to improve something but in Christchurch that’s normal.

We have a depth of talent across multiple industries including professional services, tech, manufacturing, and engineering.

Our world-class universities work with industry to grow future-focused, work-ready graduates; while the city’s affordability and unbeatable lifestyle - easy commutes and access to mountains and beaches - attract the best in field.