Strong growth across Hamilton's diverse economy

During the past five years, Hamilton has experienced higher levels of population, GDP and job growth than New Zealand.

Data from 2017 - 2021 shows that the city's population grew by 8%, GDP lifted 15% and there was a 12% increase in jobs. This compares to 6%, 10% and 8% increases respectively for New Zealand.

A newly-released Growth Outlook Report from Hamilton City Council highlights these increases as well as the diversity of our underlying economy.

Balanced economy

At 10% each, the healthcare and manufacturing sectors are Hamilton's largest contributors to GDP. Professional, scientific and technical services are also significant, representing 9% of GDP.

Construction, retail trade, and education and training are three of several other sectors that comprise at least 5% of Hamilton's total GDP.

Although not explicitly captured by ANZSIC industry data, the technology and innovation sector has been part of Hamilton's economy for many years, led by companies such as Company-X, Dynamo6, Aware Group, Enlighten Designs and The Instillery.

Agritech

In 2021, nearly two-thirds of the country's agritech employment as in the Waikato, and its average wage was more than $105,000. The sector is increasingly dominated by high-tech manufacturers based in Hamilton, including Gallagher Group, TOMRA Fresh Food and NDA Group.

Warehousing and Logistics

Consents for new warehouse, cool store and storage facilities in Hamilton has surged with more than 100,000m2 lodged in the current calendar year. This is approaching the total for the entire period from 2017 - 2021 when 124,000m2 of new warehouse cool store and storage facilities were lodged.

 

Find out more about Hamilton's economic development