The Canterbury Region in the South Island of New Zealand consists of 11 territorial local authorities — Christchurch City plus the districts of Kaikoura, Hurunui, Waimakariri, Selwyn, Banks Peninsula, Ashburton, Timaru, Mackenzie, Waimate, and Waitaki. Canterbury has a population of over 500,000 and represents about 14% of New Zealand’s economic activity.

More than 65% of Canterbury’s residents live in Christchurch, the second-largest city in New Zealand. Traditionally Canterbury has looked outwards for new opportunities. As such, the Canterbury economy is export oriented, and niche market manufacturing supported by high quality education and research institutions has flourished. Canterbury is often regarded as a barometer of the country’s economic performance.

The region of Canterbury has a large base of Research and Development organisations giving it a strong focus on lifelong learning and a head start in the Knowledge Economy. This research environment has helped the region to become a New Zealand leader in software development, biotechnology and numerous high technology manufacturing industries.

	Economic Profile
	Population Area New Zealand Canterbury Christchurch North Island South Island 4 175 000 522 000 367 000 272 000km 2 46 000km 2   114 000km 2 150 000km 2

The region is also supported by an active and expanding visitor attraction industry. Our region has a great deal to offer, especially in terms of eco-tourism and adventure based activities. From bungy jumping to whale watching Canterbury is the place to be. Christchurch is the main gateway to Canterbury, with its first class international airport providing easy access to the rest of New Zealand and a wide range of international destinations.

Ever since Scott and Shackelton left the Port of Lyttelton for Antarctica, Christchurch has also been an international gateway to the Antarctic continent. Canterbury’s long-standing connection with the Frozen Continent has seen the recent development of a Graduate Programme of Antarctic Studies at the University of Canterbury, which includes field research on the ice.

Canterbury’s Mäori heritage is long and distinguished, with Ngai Tahu being the main tribal affiliation or “iwi." This group governs a wealth of land- and sea-based assets under Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu. Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu oversees a number of first class tourism, forestry, horticulture, property investment, and seafood industry operations. Local Mäori have demonstrated a clear commitment to extending their participation in Canterbury’s export economy, and Christchurch acts as a hub for many of the successful enterprises run by the iwi.

By international standards, Christchurch City has a relatively modest population, yet boasts excellent recreation and cultural assets and a wide range of educational facilities. The city is justifiably known as “The Garden City", and has over 3,000 hectares of parkland, comprising 13 major metropolitan parks which include the Botanic Gardens and Hagley Park, 89 major district parks and approximately 300 local and neighbourhood reserves.

The city has a high quality image. It is nationally and internationally recognised for its educational institutions, the excellent service industries supporting commerce, easy access to an international airport and port, the relative safety and security of its streets and a lack of pollution, excellent water quality and skilled and hard working people.

The outstanding heritage buildings with Gothic Revival architecture, and the “more English than the English” feel of the inner city enhances the livability of the city. With its outdoor cafés, pedestrian friendly, open shopping areas along Cashel and High Streets, the beauty of the Avon River flowing through the heart of the city, the tram and the environmentally friendly free shuttle bus, Christchurch’s inner city has a wealth of opportunities to offer both pleasure seekers and business people.

Christchurch has a pleasant temperate climate, with distinct seasons that makes it well suited to a wide range of summer and winter outdoor activities. It has more sunshine than most other major centres in New Zealand and less rainfall. Warm South Pacific Ocean currents ensure a mild winter in coastal areas.

Good roading networks and moderate traffic volumes mean that the metropolitan area can be crossed from one side to the other within 30 minutes. For most people access to work is well within this time. Lower stress levels from shorter commutes and less traffic is an advantage to employers and employees.

The continued importance of traditional agriculture and industry sectors, enhanced by burgeoning activity in high technology manufacturing, biotechnology, ICT, education and research and visitor attraction sectors, suggest that the long-term prospects for the regional economy are very positive.