Economic evolution to present
Originally driven by gold mining, Otago’s economy diversified: sheep and wool, pastoral farming, timber and meat processing emerged as mainstays. In the late 19th and early 20th century, the development of refrigerated meat exports from Dunedin’s port helped cement its role as a trading and industrial centre.
Today, Otago’s economy is a mix of primary and high-value activities. Goods-producing sectors (agriculture, horticulture, meat, dairy, forestry) remain important: across the region goods-producers account for 18.3% of economic output , above the national average. Central Otago is experiencing strong growth: by 2023 its GDP reached about NZ$1.8b and employment has grown faster than the national average.
At the same time, tourism, leveraging dramatic landscapes, lakes, mountains, and heritage — is increasingly significant, especially in Central Otago and rural districts. Dunedin remains a hub for education, health, research and professional services, anchored by its historical institutions and tertiary education base. Export performance has improved: Otago exports reached NZ$3.14 b in 2024, reflecting growth beyond traditional meat/dairy into horticulture, fruit, processed foods and other goods.
Summary
Otago’s history reflects waves of Māori settlement, European colonisation, gold rushes, pastoral farming, and modern diversification. Today it blends agriculture, horticulture, food exports, tourism, education, health and services. Its rich natural resources, cultural heritage, and evolving economic base make it well-positioned for continued growth, especially in agribusiness, value-added production, tourism and knowledge sectors.
2026 – 2030 opportunity map for North Otago, Dunedin, Central Otago and Clutha.
Value-added agri-food & horticulture
Dairy and meat are already Otago’s largest export earners, with fast-growing fruit exports (notably Central Otago horticulture).
Opportunities: on-farm processing, specialty meat and dairy products, premium fruit/juice brands, cold-chain logistics, and Māori-led food brands.
Viticulture, premium beverages & agritourism
Central Otago has a strong comparative advantage in horticulture and viticulture, with tourism and seasonal work deeply tied to the wine industry.
Opportunities: boutique wineries, distilleries, experiential cellar doors, vineyard stays, and integrated wine-trail tourism.
Tourism, heritage & outdoor experiences
Tourism already contributes materially to Central Otago and Clutha GDP and is a major regional employer.
Opportunities: cycle-trail businesses, eco-lodges, mana whenua-led cultural tours, heritage/gold-rush experiences, and shoulder-season packages to smooth seasonality.
Health, education, tech & creative industries (Dunedin hub)
Dunedin’s economy is anchored by healthcare, education and professional services, with growing health-tech and game/creative sectors and an explicit pro-growth investment agenda.
Opportunities: med-tech startups, digital health solutions, ed-tech, creative studios, R&D spin-outs, and professional-services firms serving the wider South Island.
Sustainable energy, forestry & circular bioeconomy
Clutha and wider Otago have high exposure to agriculture, forestry and manufacturing, with strong dairy and meat export bases.
Opportunities: wood processing and engineered timber, biomass and bioenergy projects, low-emissions agri-tech, and renewable-energy services (consulting, engineering, maintenance).
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 Strong Wellington/Wairarapa team along with the national support team provide invaluable assistance to local SME businesses’. We 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
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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.
