Nelson-Tasman economic growth soars above national average
Nelson-Tasman’s economy grew quickly over the first half of 2016, with Infometrics’ provisional estimate of GDP showing
growth in Nelson-Tasman of 4.4% over the June year, compared with estimated growth of 2.7% nationally.
Infometrics Senior Economist Benje Patterson says “Several factors have contributed to this growth, including increasing
levels of building activity, a growing population, better conditions for primary sector exporters, and soaring visitor
numbers into the broader region.”
“Against a backdrop of healthy job prospects, stable economic growth, and low interest rates, there has been renewed
interest in Nelson-Tasman’s relatively affordable housing market.”
Infometrics’ Quarterly Economic Monitor for Nelson-Tasman shows house sales over the 12 months to June increased 11%,
while house prices rose by 11%.
“Rising prices have lifted incentives to build, as evident by the 16% increase in residential building consents over the
past year,” says Patterson.
“Although non-residential consents eased slightly, large scale projects, such as the proposed new airport terminal, are
in the planning phases.”
Patterson says that another factor pushing up housing demand in Nelson-Tasman has been population growth.
“Evidence of people moving to the area can be seen in international migration statistics, which showed that
Nelson-Tasman gained a net 711 migrants over the June year.”
“Higher levels of employment demand are one factor attracting people, a factor which has also seen the number of people
in the region receiving Jobseeker Support fall by an average of 4.6% over the past year,” he says.
One of Nelson-Tasman’s fastest growing sectors this year has been tourism, with Infometrics’ estimates showing that
tourism accounts for 10% of all employment across the region.
Guest nights in Nelson-Tasman over the 12 months to June climbed 8.0% to a record level.
“Nelson-Tasman has benefited not only from a rising flow of international visitors coming to New Zealand, but the
introduction of Jetstar’s regional services in December and ensuing competition with Air New Zealand has seen a surge in
people flying to the area.”
Data from Nelson Airport shows that a record 865,023 passengers flew through Nelson Airport in the year to June, up 16%
on a year earlier.
Patterson expects tourism activity to continue climbing into 2017, but he cautions that “growth may be constrained by
capacity bottlenecks at peak times.”
A growing population, better job prospects, and increasing visitor numbers have been good news for retailers in
Nelson-Tasman.
Data from Marketview shows that the value of retail purchases on electronic cards over the June year was up 4.7% on a
year earlier.
Patterson also identifies Nelson-Tasman’s primary sector as a star performer, saying that it has not faced the same
challenges as regions with higher exposures to the dairy sector.
“Timber processors are enjoying strengthening demand from high levels of homebuilding activity across New Zealand, while
seafood prices have risen,” he says.
Data from Seafood New Zealand shows that export prices for mussels over the first 6 months of 2016 averaged 13% higher
than a year ago.
Pipfruit growers are also in good shape.
“Although hailstorms affected apple volumes earlier in the year, there has been some offset for growers due to higher
prices,” says Patterson.
Patterson is also optimistic about the outlook for Nelson-Tasman’s primary producers and identifies the kiwifruit sector
as one to watch.
“Not only have returns for kiwifruit growers been on the up, but a sharp increase in the cost of kiwifruit orchards in
the Bay of Plenty is likely to raise interest in secondary kiwifruit growing areas such as Nelson-Tasman,” he concludes.
ENDS