» Industry Sectors

Industry Sectors

With a few exceptions, Central Otago is a microcosm of New Zealand, with most industry or sector groups being represented here.

However, some are nearer and dearer to the heart of Central Otago and are highlighted here. As time goes by we hope to add more information here.

film Central Otago gained formal ‘Film Friendly’ status is 2008. This Film NZ endorsement means that apart from the un-rivaled scenery, Central Otago also the necessary processes and policies to meet screen production industry requirements. READ MORE	IRRIGATION Water is the source of life and an important source of prosperity in Central Otago. The importance of water to the region is highlighted in a 2008 BERL report which estimated that commercial water use through hydro power generation and irrigation contributes $664 million or 16% of GDP. READ MORE	gold mining The early history and wealth of Central Otago was born of gold. The boom and bust of the gold rush era is long gone but the prospect of renewed interest in the industry remains with the ongoing development of new extraction technologies. READ MORE

agriculture Sheep, beef and pasture-based farming remains the back bone of the Central Otago economy. Advancements in irrigation is harnessing the productive potential of more of the region’s fertile land and leading to the development of new agricultural enterprises such as dairy farming. READ MORE	horticulture The combination of soils, climate and grower know-how makes Central Otago a leading force in the production of summerfruit, pipfruit, wine grapes and an expanding range of high value niche crops. READ MORE	power generation Central Otago remains one of New Zealand’s key areas for sustainable energy production. In addition to the Roxburgh and Clyde hydro dams there are a number of smaller schemes throughout the region. Power generation from wind farms is currently a topic of discussion. READ MORE

wine and viticulture From small beginnings Central Otago has established a name for quality wine production, particularly Pinot Noir which accounts for about 85% of plantings. Production from the region’s vines has trebled over the last five years. READ MORE	tourism The Central Otago tourism sector continues to grow with more people visiting and staying longer. Driving growth is the ongoing development of local attractions such as the Otago Central Rail Trail, the Maniototo Ice Rink, and wine tourism. Central Otago’s proximity to Queenstown, a major international tourist hub, also makes for good visitor flow. READ MORE	services The Service Sector provides the economic life-blood of most Central Otago towns. Long established primary service businesses supporting the farming, horticulture and forestry sectors are key employers. Business Services are a growth area and have increased in line with the strong economic growth over the last five years. New service businesses are also evolving to meet the demand generated by the developing tourism, film and viticulture sectors. READ MORE

central otago food network Central Otago is home to a growing number of artisan food producers. All have a passion for wonderful tastes and flavours, and the second-to-none crops and food products produced by an extreme growing climate. READ MORE