Business Investment and Waipā's Economy
Find statistics, strategic documents, and other information so you’re fully informed before you make your next business decision.
Strategic documents
These strategic documents outline council’s position and direction in relation to developing and supporting the local economy:
Waipā District’s economic profile
Access statistics, demographic and economic trend data here: https://rep.infometrics.co.nz/waipa-district
Why Waipā
Waipā is one of the most vibrant and dynamic growth areas in the Waikato Region, with forecasted growth in population, employment, businesses and GDP.
Waipā sits in the centre of the ‘golden triangle’ - the geographical area between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga cities. It’s home to 44 percent of New Zealand’s population and is where 51 percent of the country’s nonresidential building consents were issued in 2022.
4 reasons to invest
1. People & workforce
As one of the Waikato’s fastest growing districts, Waipā offers a unique mix of urban and rural lifestyles. The residential population has grown from 41,400 to 61,100 in 20 years and growth is expected to continue.
Matching this is the growth of a skilled/highly skilled labour force working in a market with below average unemployment. Council has Joint Management Agreements (JMA’s) with local iwi and is developing partnerships with key anchor institutions. Our team will happily connect companies looking to build their workforce.
The main industries in Waipā employing the greatest number of workers are:
- Agriculture, forestry and fishing
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Retail Trade
- Professional, scientific and technical.
2. Connectivity
Waipā’s key economic activity is centred in the two main towns of Te Awamutu and Cambridge. Close proximity to key road, rail, and air transport routes ensures an efficient freight network, essential for uninterrupted business operations. Both towns are within easy 30-minute drive of the Ruakura Inland Port.
Major Industrial centres are in Hautapu, north of Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Hamilton Airport.
The district has ample land set aside for future industrial and commercial land as well as residential land, both greenfield and brownfield.
With land, housing and great connections, Waipā is ready for you!
3. Strategic planning
Waipā is growing fast and Council is making sure the district has land available for this through Ahu Ake, the Waipā Community Spatial Plan.
This will be the blueprint for Waipā for the next 30-plus years, providing the foundation for all of our future planning, helping us identify opportunities for growth and investment, and helping us to prioritise where and how we invest.
Waipā’s Operative District Plan has all the information you need about existing land zoning.
4. Business mix
Waipā’s GDP grew 3.6 percent to $3,561M in 2023, higher than the Waikato region’s average. There are 27,424 jobs and 8,673 business units.
Top performing industries: (all percentages as share of District total)
| Industry Sector | Employment % | Business Units % | Contribution to GDP % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agriculture, forestry and fishing | 13.5 | 20.2 | 14.6 |
| Construction | 13.9 | 12.8 | 8.5 |
| Manufacturing | 10.2 | 3.5 | 10.3 |
| Retail Trade | 9.6 | 5.0 | 5.6 |
| Professional, scientific and technical | 8.1 | 8.4 | 7.6 |
Source: Infometrics 2023
