Christchurch’s economy continues to show signs of growth and diversification, driven by both longstanding businesses and emerging industries, according to recent reports from the region.
Tait Communications, a Christchurch-based manufacturer of radio communications equipment founded by Sir Angus Tait in 1969, has experienced significant expansion, marking a period of rapid development despite its established presence. The company recorded a revenue increase from NZD 421.6 million in 2023 to NZD 426.6 million in 2024, bolstered by its acquisition of Australian firm RFI. In 2025, Tait posted a net profit of NZD 44.1 million on NZD 516 million in revenue. It remains Christchurch’s largest high-tech employer with approximately 700 staff locally.
The company’s executives highlight its commitment to maintaining manufacturing operations within Christchurch, with most products produced at its extensive campus. Tait’s facility includes New Zealand’s largest dedicated electronics assembly plant and the Southern Hemisphere’s most expansive surface mount technology environment. This consolidation of engineering, research and development, design, and manufacturing enables agility and quick iteration in product development.
Tait's chief executive, Yoram Benit, underscores the firm’s efforts to foster local engineering and technical talent through partnership programs with educational institutions and student internships. Approximately 15% of its revenue is reinvested in research and development, supporting advancements in technology used by global public safety, law enforcement, transportation, and utility clients. Over 85% of Tait’s revenue is generated from international markets, demonstrating strong export dependence.
The region also benefits from companies like Enagain, which provides renewable gas derived from redirected methane emissions. This technology supplies industrial gas users with a stable and affordable alternative to fossil fuels, supporting environmental goals alongside business and energy security.
Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. Christchurch’s economic scale limits its ability to compete with larger urban centers, according to local stakeholders. The city’s growth is also influenced by shifting government policies, particularly those affecting local government funding amid the introduction of rates caps and ongoing local government reforms. These factors may constrain economic development efforts going forward.
Additionally, the Tāwhaki National Aerospace Centre, located near Banks Peninsula, recently secured Permanent Special Use Airspace status from the Civil Aviation Authority. This change allows the centre to manage airspace operations more efficiently without recurring approval processes, supporting the expansion of aerospace activities in the region.
Business leaders stress the importance of sustaining momentum amid cyclical economic trends, emphasizing the need for ongoing investment, innovation, and collaboration to ensure Christchurch’s continued evolution as a diverse and resilient economy.