As a young country that is amongst the most distant from world markets in geographical terms, New Zealand has become adept at finding creative solutions to a range of problems. A unique culture of innovation and adaptability is propelling the country into world leadership in many fields.
Learn about New Zealand’s globally competitive industries by browsing the categories below.
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Biotechnology and agricultural technology
New Zealand’s ability to add value to agricultural products by applying biological knowledge has led to world-leading capabilities in agricultural technology, animal health, food technology and human health, including medical devices.
» Read more about New Zealand’s biotechnology and agricultural technology industry
Consultancy services
New Zealand’s consultancy expertise grew out of the need to help the commercial and social environment adapt to changes brought about by the deregulation of the 1980s.
» Read more about New Zealand’s consultancy services industry
Creative industries
New Zealand’s digital and creative arts industry, spanning screen production, television, music, design, fashion, publishing, textiles and digital content, has become a significant contributor to the country’s economy.
» Read more about New Zealand’s creative industries
Education
New Zealand’s education industry includes training, consultancy and research services. Education providers in this country have established competitive advantages in overseas markets in a number of different fields of study, including agriculture, aviation, education system development, and tourism and hospitality.
» Read more about New Zealand education
Food and beverage
New Zealand’s diverse food and beverage industry is the lynchpin of the country’s economy. Exports have almost trebled in the last 17 years, from NZ$7.76 billion in 1990 to NZ$22.9 billion in 2008.
» Read more about New Zealand’s food and beverage industry
Information and communication technologies (ICT)
New Zealand’s information and communication technologies (ICT) industry includes areas as diverse as wireless infrastructure, software, health IT, transport and logistics technologies, digital content, payments, geospatial and communications technology.
» Read more about New Zealand’s information and communication technologies industry
Specialised manufacturing
New Zealand’s manufacturers create goods and services in a number of specialist fields, including aviation, clean technology, defence, heavy and light engineering, marine, and plastics, composites and metals.
» Read more about New Zealand’s specialised manufacturing industry
Tourism
New Zealand’s adventure activities, unique culture and stunning, diverse natural landscapes attract approximately 2.3 million people each year. Tourism is now New Zealand’s biggest export earner, generating an estimated NZ$6.3 billion in foreign exchange annually.
» Read more about New Zealand’s tourism industry
Wood, building and interiors
New Zealand has approximately 1.8 million hectares of intensively managed, renewable, sustainable, production forest plantations. In the year to 30 June 2008, exports of sawn timber, logs, chips and pulp made up approximately 5.5 percent of New Zealand’s total merchandise exports.
» Read more about New Zealand’s wood, building and interiors industry
