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Opportunity hamilton

Waikato showing the world it can fly

A local strength in a sector can be developed to benefit a region and the country as a whole, if there is vision and collaboration for growth.

Since 2009, Hamilton City Council has invested in its economic development agency (EDA), Opportunity Hamilton, to manage the regionally-based aviation cluster contract.

May 2011 saw the cluster spreading its wings to become a business entity and charitable trust in its own right.

Opportunity Hamilton’s chief executive Sandra Perry said the cluster standing alone is the next step in realising the region’s vision to be the centre of light aircraft manufacture, maintenance and pilot training in Australasia.

The Aviation Industry Cluster has more than 70 members including manufacture and supply and maintenance businesses, pilot training and aviation services. The region is home to some of the world’s leading aviation specialists.

Read more in Innovation through collaboration 2011 - the Economic Development Agencies of New Zealand annual report, page 14.

 Opportunity hamilton Opportunity hamilton
 Hamilton is located close to both of New Zealand’s major ports at Auckland and Tauranga.  Three tertiary institutions, - The University of Waikato, Wintec and Te Wananga o Aotearoa are located in Hamilton.  The University of Waikato generates three percent of the region’s total revenue and nearly $1 billion for the New Zealand economy as a whole.  Hamilton is a student city, with more than 46,000 people in tertiary study.  The ultra fast broadband rollout has begun in Hamilton. It is expected to boost economic growth by 1.3%.  Hamilton's $68.4 million Claudelands Convention and Exhibition Centre includes a 5,000-capacity multipurpose indoor arena, 1,500-capacity conference centre and upgraded exhibition facilities.   Hamilton is the second fastest growing population centre in New Zealand behind Auckland.  Hamilton is New Zealand’s largest inland city, and fourth largest urban area.  Hamilton is on the main tourist route between Auckland and Taupo. Hamilton is the heart of the Waikato.  Hamilton has a land area of 98.6 km2 (New Zealand's smallest city in terms of land area).  The average age in Hamilton is 31.3 years compared to 35.9 years nationally.  Hamilton has a youthful population - around half of residents are under 30 years old.  Research and development plays an important part in Hamilton's economy - the city is home to more than 100 PhD scientists  Hamilton is known as New Zealand's science capital and is an ideal place to become involved with forward-thinking innovators.  Hamilton's sister cities are Sacramento, USA, Saitama, Japan and Wuxi in People's Republic of China.  Hamilton's location in New Zealand's growth triangle - Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty - make it a hotbed of economic growth.  The website www.investwaikato.com matches global investors, suppliers or partners with Waikato business owners looking for connections.  Dairy farming is at the heart of the region, with today's agricultural developments centred on high-tech innovations within the biotechnology, new foods, sensor and software sectors.  The World Bank's Ease of Business Survey 2011 ranked New Zealand an impressive third of 138 OECD economies and first for both starting a business and protecting investors.  Waikato is known for equine excellence, with the highest number of horses per region in New Zealand.  Most horses bred in the region are for export, with thoroughbred horse exports totaling about $160 million annually.