Christchurch, the largest city in New Zealand’s South Island, has been rebuilding its economy since the devastating earthquake in 2011. While the city has made significant progress in its recovery, there is still room for improvement, particularly in the tech sector. Christchurch has the potential to become the tech HQ of New Zealand, but it needs to lift its game and focus on improving the tech sector.
Over the decades Christchurch has managed to carve out a thriving high-tech manufacturing sector that other cities in NZ would love to have. These mostly engineering firms have adopted newer technology over the years and become world leaders in things like telecommunications, power distribution, and jet propulsion. We are now seeing a rise in aerospace components, medical devices and other cutting-edge technologies that require precision engineering skills. This has helped establish Christchurch as a hub for high-tech manufacturing within New Zealand.
While we punch above our weight for the number of high-tech manufacturing companies the same can’t be said about ICT tech companies. Christchurch is home to a number of successful tech companies, such as SLI Systems, Jade Software, and Seequent. However, compared to other major cities in New Zealand, Christchurch’s ICT tech sector is relatively small. The city needs to attract more tech companies, investors, skilled workers & startups to boost its tech ecosystem.
To put things into perspective when comparing the number of tech companies to GDP by area; Christchurch runs at 62%, while Auckland is 127% and Wellington is a whopping 216%. We have the bits of the puzzle but we now just need to put it together.
One way Christchurch can attract more tech companies is by creating a supportive environment for startups. The city needs to provide access to capital, mentorship, and networking opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs. This will help to cultivate a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship, which is crucial for the growth of the tech sector.
Another important step Christchurch can take is to invest in education and training programs to develop the skills needed in the tech industry. This includes not only technical skills but also soft skills such as creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. By providing opportunities for education and training, the city can ensure that it has a workforce with the skills needed to drive the tech sector forward.
Additionally, Christchurch can leverage its unique strengths to attract tech companies. The city is known for its outdoor recreational opportunities, such as skiing, hiking, and surfing. By highlighting these attractions, Christchurch can appeal to tech workers who value work-life balance and a high quality of life. The city can also leverage its location as a gateway to Antarctica, which could be of interest to companies in the environmental and renewable energy sectors.
Finally, Christchurch needs to promote itself as a hub of innovation and tech excellence. This means investing in marketing and promotion to raise the city’s profile and attract attention from investors and tech companies. The city can also host events such as conferences and hackathons to showcase its tech ecosystem and attract talent from around the world.
In conclusion, Christchurch has the potential to become the tech HQ of New Zealand, but it needs to lift its game and focus on improving the tech sector. By creating a supportive environment for startups, investing in education and training, leveraging its unique strengths, and promoting itself as a hub of innovation, Christchurch can attract more tech companies, investors, and skilled workers to drive its tech ecosystem forward. With the right investments and strategies, Christchurch can become a leader in the tech industry and a shining example of economic recovery and growth.
