Agriculture a major influence on economy
The Timaru District economy is strongly influenced by its agricultural heritage. From its birth in pioneering sheep farming, our richly productive agricultural sector has grown to become New Zealand's "food bowl".
Today's farming is heavily influenced by dairy, with horticulture, intensive cropping, meat and wool also playing an important role. Significant manufacturing, processing, engineering and distribution operations contribute to extensive export and domestic supply of a wide range of goods and services.
This provides an array of employment opportunities across all sectors from trades and manufacturing to the professional, service and primary sectors. The Timaru District prides itself on having one of the lowest unemployment rates in New Zealand.
The wider South Canterbury region enjoys reliable and accessible water for irrigation and industry - indeed some of the most affordable resource in the country. This continues to provide the impetus for the development and growth of successful food processing and exporting operations. Large scale investment in water storage, quality and management is continuing, helping to ensure a robust, diverse economic future for the District.
Timaru District – Quarterly Economic Monitor Report September 2025
Highlights:
There is some small positive improvement in the Timaru economy in the September quarter, in the figures just released in the latest Quarterly Economic Report. The report shows that the September quarter 2025 GDP is 1.2% higher than the same time last year, and the trend is that the economy is improving. By comparison the national figures for GDP at the same time, showed just a 0.9% improvement.
However when taking a look at the full year to September, Timaru’s economy overall recorded a small drop in GDP by 0.3%.
GDP
GDP for the year to the end of September dropped slightly, by 0.3%.
Dairy payout
Timaru District's dairy payout for the 2024/2025 season is expected to be approximately $595million, which is $150 million higher than last season, assuming that production levels from last season are maintained.
Business counts
The number of business units in Timaru District was up 1.2% for the year to September. Growth was higher than in New Zealand (1.0%) and was lower than in Canterbury Region (2.0%).
Consumer spending
Electronic card consumer spending in Timaru District as measured by Marketview, increased by0.6%, compared to a year earlier. This compares with decrease of 0.8% in New Zealand and Canterbury Region had no change.
House values
The average current house value is $517,742 compared to $726,415 in Canterbury Region.
House sales
House sales in Timaru District increased by 12.3%, compared with an increase of 14.2% in New Zealand.
View the full report here:
Timaru District offers a great lifestyle with abundant opportunities. Find out more from residents who've moved here about what Timaru District offers for their lifestyle.
“Farmers Mill have chosen Timaru, South Canterbury to build our state-of-the art flour mill. The district is central to the arable land which produces the wheat we use to mill 100% NZ Flour. We find the district has a strong economic profile and the services and people we require to build a world class business.”
Murray Turley, Chairman, Farmers Mill, Timaru