blurry placeholderPort Nelson Haulashore Boat   Nelson Regional Development Agency   by Tim Cuff

Our economic strengths

Boulder Bank, Nelson

Industries full of opportunities

From Nelson Tasman's largest industries to our growing sectors of high competitive advantage, there is a plethora of opportunities to do business here.

Diverse industries, united by opportunity

Our traditional primary industries provide 10% of jobs in our region, with goods-producing industries making up 21%. Services have the largest share at 41%, followed by high-value services at 28%.

Across these broad categories, five standout sectors give our region a competitive edge and strong potential for growth: the blue economy, research, science and technology, the visitor economy, forestry and wood processing, and food, beverage and wellness products.

Nelson Tasman's economy at a glance

Unless otherwise stated, all figures are from the Nelson-Tasman Regional Economic Briefing and Infometrics reports.

114,200

Population

$7.6bn

Size of economy

14,703

Number of businesses

96.5%

Proportion of small businesses

(<20 employees)

$71,004

Mean earnings

(vs NZ $81,958)

$127,049

GDP per filled job

$1.7bn

Productivity gap

Our aim is to double productivity within

2 generations

Sector success stories

Follow the journey of some of our Nelson Tasman businesses as they transform performance and generate success in key sectors.

blurry placeholderSnapCore

SnapCore

Science, Tech & Research

blurry placeholderChia Sisters

Chia Sisters

Horticulture, Food & Wellness

Latest news from Nelson Tasman

blurry placeholderKayak through golden beaches and sheltered coves.

Visitors feel the warmth in Nelson as region crowned New Zealand’s most welcoming community for tourism in latest MBIE report

Friday 12 June, 2026

Nelson Tasman residents continue to support tourism and recognise the significant economic, cultural and environmental benefits visitors bring to the region, according to analysis of MBIE’s latest Tourism Sentiment Survey.

blurry placeholderNew initiative to help local businesses adapt to change

New initiative to help local businesses adapt to change

Friday 05 June, 2026

This month local businesses will be able to access free practical workshops to help strengthen performance, manage uncertainty and plan their next steps.

blurry placeholder Takahē move into Golden Bay

Takahē move into Golden Bay

Friday 29 May, 2026

Takahē are roaming at the base of Onetahua Farewell Spit in Golden Bay after eight were moved there this week.