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 placeholderA masterplan for the Haven Waterfront

A masterplan for the Haven Waterfront

Thursday 25 June, 2026

Nelson City Council has started developing a masterplan for the Haven Waterfront, setting out a shared, long-term vision for the prime waterfront area on Haven Road.&nbsp;

blurry placeholderNew hotel and apartment complex coming to Nelson's city centre

New hotel and apartment complex coming to Nelson's city centre

Friday 19 June, 2026

A new inner-city hotel and apartment complex is on the way for Nelson following the sale of the former bus hub on Bridge Street.

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.