The West Coast - land of opportunity
With a fast growing regional economy and a high employment rate,theres a demand for skilled professionals on the Coast. Whether youre an accountant, adventure guide, health professional or entrepreneur, this is the place to get ahead.
Employment
If you're looking for work, the West Coast is the place to find it. Demand for workers is high across all industries, but particularly in agriculture, mining, fisheries, retail and engineering. With vacancies continuing to trend upwards, the job market looks strong into the future.
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Migrant Services
When you make the move to the West Coast, New Coasters Incorporated are here to help. Ask them about employment, housing, schooling or work visas. They also support a large Newcomers Network. In fact, anything to make it easier for you and your family to settle in to the West Coast. Please contact Mel Kaye, New Coasters Manager on melk@newcoasters.co.nz or phone 03 768 6580.
Mining
The West Coast and mining go way back to when the first European settlers came with "gold fever" on their minds, more than 150 years ago. These days, while gold and limestone play a part, it's coal that drives our mining economy. The Coast is home to the largest coal mine in New Zealand, north of Westport, and produces all of New Zealand's export coal.
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Tourism
Tourism is the Coast's biggest employer and one of our top three most profitable industries. Above all, visitors are attracted by our spectacular scenery and natural environment . Glacier Country (Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and South Westland Heritage Area) is the most popular destination followed by Punakaiki's Pancake Rocks and Blowholes.
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Agriculture
Dairying continues to attract record conversions with milk processing undertaken at Westland Milk Products based in Hokitika. Agriculture benefits from the West Coast's temperate productive climate with a balanced combination of sunshine and rainfall.
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Horticulture
Horticulture has been recognised as a significant growth opportunity particularly in the Buller region. The combination of affordable land, a frost free climate and road access has seen thriving crops such as :
- black passion fruit,
- tamarillos,
- feijoas,
- cranberries,
- limes and
- blueberry
Water is abundant, affordable and accessible. Globally the rising price and scarcity of water will contribute to a significant lift in food prices and a shortage of food production. In this scenario the West Coast of New Zealand is well placed to expand its food production activities. We expect successful partnerships between targeted local and international food processing companies attracted to the region by the availability of the water supply.
