High value manufacturing and services

New Zealand has a high tertiary education participation rate (30 percent). Levels of education and training, including formal on-the-job training, within the current working-age population, is high by OECD standards. (NZ MSD/OECD, 2009).

University trained engineers and skilled industrial workers in New Zealand cost employers around 65 percent less than their equivalents in Northern Europe and the United States, and 40 percent less than Australia. New Zealanders also work longer hours (UBS, 2009).

New Zealand's government backs high value manufacturers and service providers through its internationally respected industrial research laboratory and co-funding for strategic and applied research. These benefits, along with the country's lightly regulated economy, stable politico-legal system and free trade agreements with China, Australia and ASEAN markets, offer compelling value for investors.

Current opportunities

Opportunities are available in:

Aviation

This critical industry contributes 6.9 percent of New Zealand's GDP and, at NZ$3.8 billion, exports more than the country's wine and horticulture industries combined. Thirty percent growth is projected over the next five years, mainly export-driven in light aircraft design and manufacture, business aircraft interiors, aircraft parts, airline operations, airport infrastructure, aviation services, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and training. Active investors include Pratt and Whitney and CTC Aviation Training UK.

Clean energy

Over 70 percent of New Zealand's energy is generated using renewable resources. Backed by extensive research and development, our technology is strong in hydro, geothermal and wind energy, biofuels, high temperature superconducting, smart electricity grid management, and electric and hybrid propulsion. Active investors include Khosla Ventures of the USA, American Superconductor Corporation and Qiming Venture Partners of China. Find out more about New Zealand's clean technology industry.

Healthcare

New Zealand is a leader in electronic wheelchairs and scooters, respiratory humidifiers, medical software and bio engineering. Medical innovations include the premature baby cooling cap, heated humidification devices, orthopedic implants, patient monitoring technologies and patient management systems. Active investors include US based Invacare.

Marine

Ocean savvy, New Zealand's marine industry brand sets a benchmark for high performance and advanced design, building, and refit of super yachts and motor launches. Success is based on electronics, software, sails, spars and fittings incorporating leading edge design and materials technology. Active investors include North Group of the USA, Vetus of the Netherlands and Hella Marine of Germany.

Security

New Zealand's security capability is marked by intelligent, cost-effective solutions integrating design engineering with commercial off-the-shelf technologies. Applications attracting global sales include radio and telecommunications, data monitoring, encryption and protection, cyber network and physical security, investigation, intelligence and detection ware, GPS based asset tracking, and tactical training and simulation. Active investors include Lockheed Martin and Cubic Corporation of the USA and Babcock of UK.

Industrial equipment

New Zealand has the capability to design and create high-technology production systems for manufacturing and industry processing, including automation equipment, sheet metal forming equipment, industrial robots, drying kilns, heat exchangers, industrial fans, air pollution control, filtration and noise control solutions, precision toolmaking, and electronic measurement and control systems. To date, there has been limited foreign investment in this sector in New Zealand.

Food processing and bio-processing

New Zealand is a leader in the design, development, fabrication and servicing of stainless steel plants and equipment, providing technology to the dairy, wine, brewing, pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries. Technological innovation has been driven by the rigorous requirement for safe, productive and cost efficient processing of New Zealand's own economically significant food industries. Active investors include RMB Capital Partners of Australia, Ali Group of Italy and GEA Process Engineering of Denmark.

Please note that the opportunities listed above are not endorsed or recommended by New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE), and may be updated from time to time. Investors are advised to contact our New Zealand-based Investment Specialist to discuss further and to conduct their own due diligence and independent advice on the relevant investment, before committing to any investment.