Contemporary Economy & Industry Landscape
The Nelson Tasman’s economy remains diverse: horticulture, forestry, wood processing, agriculture, small-scale manufacturing, artisanal crafts and a strong tourism and lifestyle-driven sector.
As of 2024 data, tourism contributed about NZ$550.9 million in GDP for the combined Nelson–Tasman–Marlborough area (≈ 4.8% of regional output).
In Marlborough, agriculture (especially vineyards), seafood, primary-sector services and food processing remain major economic pillars.
Implications and Opportunity
Agri-food, viticulture & value-added processing: The combination of fertile land (Nelson, Tasman, Marlborough), established horticulture/wine sectors and access to seafood offers opportunity for agrifood SMEs, export-oriented produce, and value-added processing.
Sustainable forestry, wood processing and bioenergy: Given substantial forestry/wood processing activity; including surplus woody biomass, there’s scope for timber products, sustainable wood manufacturing, bioenergy or renewable materials businesses.
Tourism, eco-/heritage-tourism, and lifestyle-driven services: Coastal, natural-landscape, and cultural (Māori heritage) tourism remain strong, businesses in accommodation, guided tours, cultural experiences, artisan crafts, and hospitality are well-positioned.
Small business & entrepreneurship: Regions like Nelson/Tasman have high rates of self-employment (≈ 16.7%) and many firms are micro-businesses; ideal for advisory services targeting small firms, remote work, professional services, or niche exporters.
Practical advisory around land use, environmental regulation & iwi relationships: Given significant Māori heritage, land-use history and ecological sensitivity (coastlines, native forests, farming land), advisory firms should integrate cultural-heritage considerations, regulatory compliance, environmental sustainability, and iwi / rūnanga partnership into their risk and opportunity assessments.
West Coast, New Zealand (Te Tai Poutini):
Māori history: First settled ca. 1200 AD, the region was home to early peoples such as Te Kawerau ā Maki’s ancestors and later Ngāi Tahu (including hapū like Ngāti Wairangi / Poutini Ngāi Tahu), who valued the land for pounamu (greenstone), seafood and forest resources.
Economic history and evolution
During the 19th-century gold-rush the coast boomed on gold and coal mining, timber milling and logging. As mining and native-timber logging declined post-mid-20th century, dairy farming, forestry, fishing, and related primary industries grew.
Current economy & business-advisory outlook
Today the West Coast economy is supported by forestry/wood-processing, mining, agriculture, fisheries, and increasingly tourism — leveraging its dramatic landscapes, cultural heritage and outdoor recreation appeal. For business, key opportunities lie in sustainable forestry, seafood/agriproduction, eco-tourism and mahinga-kai enterprises, ideally developed in collaboration with Ngāi Tahu / local rūnanga, respecting cultural values and natural resource stewardship.
What We Do
We help our local SMEs to:
- Build stronger, sustainable and more profitable business models
- Create strong system and process within the business
- Improve cashflow, margins and long-term profits
- Develop teams that perform with drive and purpose
- Plan for growth, succession, and/or exit
Why Work With Prime Strategies Group?
You don’t need a buddy, you need a guide, a business friend and guiding partner not just theory – accountability, planning and process.
Our Auckland North team are all hands-on business realistic reliable people who’ve built, grown, and led companies themselves. We bring real-world experience, real time, realistic strength of purpose right to your door.
We understand:
- The numbers
- The people and their roles
- The focus required
- Help you make better more focused decisions
- Regain control and confidence as a business owner
Local Insight, National Strength
With Prime Strategies’ national network behind you and your business we have expertise that is designed to help you, no nonsense, no unrealistic dreams, no bull, just simple strategic guidance with care and attention for you and your business.
We’re proud to support New Zealand business. For Kiwis by Kiwis
Let’s Talk
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, let’s start with a coffee and a quiet chat.
We’ll sit down, get a good understanding of your needs and dreams and build a plan to get you there.
