Hamilton’s competitive advantages

  • Strategic location and transport connections - providing access to 50% of the population

  • New Zealand's youngest labour force - median age 32

  • Lower cost-of-living compared to other major cities

Our key sectors

Technology and innovation 

Hamilton is home to an increasing number of successful businesses that are leading the way in data security, robotics, artificial intelligence, software development and advanced data processing applications.

Logistics

Successful warehousing and distribution projects require, among other things, a strategic location, strong transport linkages and critical infrastructure. Hamilton can tick all these boxes, and more.

Manufacturing

Although employment in Hamilton is led by health care and other high-value services, we remain a well-established location for goods-producing industries. Manufacturing activities comprise approximately 10% of the workforce in both Hamilton city and the Waikato region.

Agritech

Hamilton is the long-time home of the agricultural technology – agritech – sector in Aotearoa, with industry giants like Gallagher Group, Livestock Improvement Corporation and NDA Group based in the city.

Our work with partners

We work closely with iwi, government and private partners to make sure our city and wider region thrive. Here are some of the initiatives we’re part of:

Hamilton-Waikato Metro Spatial Plan

The Hamilton-Waikato Metro Spatial Plan is a vision and framework for how Hamilton and neighbouring communities in the Waipaa and Waikato districts will grow and develop over the next 100-plus years, creating one of the most liveable places in New Zealand.

Find out more

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Hamilton to Auckland Corridor Plan

The Hamilton to Auckland Corridor (identified in the Government’s Urban Growth Agenda as a significant transport corridor and a priority area) passes through an area of high natural and cultural importance and value. The vision is to support sustainable growth and increase connectivity between the two cities.

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Te Huia

The Te Huia passenger train connects the Waikato and Auckland and is shaping the future of public rail transport in the Waikato, along with helping to reduce New Zealand's carbon footprint.

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Te Waka

Waikato's Regional Economic Development Agency, is tasked with delivering high-level growth objectives for the region through action and impact-focused economic development.

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Hamilton & Waikato Tourism

Hamilton & Waikato Tourism, the Regional Tourism Organisation for the Waikato, is focused on attracting domestic and international visitors, and increasing length of stay and expenditure.

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Hamilton Airport

Hamilton Airport serves the greater Waikato region, with direct flights to five cities across the country.

Find out more

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Need more information?

Related pages

Economic Development Committee

The Economic Development Committee governs Hamilton’s economic agenda and investment development opportunities…

Regional alliances

Find out about our mutually beneficial alliances with others in the region.

Council controlled organisations

Find out about Council's investment in other organisations.

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Last updated 31 August 2022