New data shows Hurunui’s employment landscape remains firmly grounded in its rural roots.

Infometrics economist and CEO Brad Olsen visited Hurunui District last week, speaking at a public meeting in the Omihi Hall on Tuesday and visiting Hurunui businesses on Wednesday.

Hurunui District Mayor Marie Black said the visit, which was organised by the Hurunui Mayors Taskforce for Jobs (MTFJ) programme, aimed to offer valuable insights into the district's economic landscape, along with national and global trends, and to highlight innovation within Hurunui businesses in adapting to an evolving business environment.

“The public meeting represented a broad cross-section of our community, from accountants to wineries, the farming sector and cottage businesses.”

Key insights presented at the meeting for the year to March 2024 showed agriculture, forestry and fishing made up over 30% of local jobs—more than six times the national average. Tourism also played a strong supporting role, with accommodation and food services employing a larger share in Hurunui, at just under 10%, than the national average at around 6.5%.

With New Zealand’s strong reliance on primary industries as key contributors to GDP, Hurunui is well positioned for growth.

“It was really positive to hear that in terms of jobs activity, Hurunui is currently ranking as the 7th fastest growing district for employment across New Zealand,” Mayor Black said.

Over the last quarter to the year March 2024, filled jobs increased by 0.5%, with a continued positive increase over the last decade. From about 4,750 filled positions in 2013, the number has steadily climbed to over 6,100 jobs by 2025, a growth of nearly 30%.

Olsen noted youth employment continues to be under-represented, both locally and nationally, representing a tougher climate for young New Zealanders.

Hurunui MTFJ Employment Coordinator Chris Sutherland said: “It was encouraging to hear Brad advocate for businesses to embrace the fresh perspectives that our young people can offer to an organisation, while also promoting the advantages of succession planning in light of our aging population demographic.”

Hurunui MTFJ has successfully placed 55 young people into jobs, exceeding its target of 20 placements.

“Hurunui MTFJ has been truly effective in supporting our young people, creating opportunities through our strong community networks,” Mayor Black said.

On Wednesday, Mayor Black and the Hurunui MTFJ team took Olsen on a visit to some of those businesses backing Hurunui youth, including Proseed and Arthur Burke, as well as to Heartland Homes with Vicki Foster, chair of Amberley NZ, offering a local business perspective, a visit to residents at Amberley Country Estate, and to Amberley Trader as a newly established business in the town.

“Brad commented that he learnt so much by being on the ground and speaking with our community, which adds value to his national and global perspective,” Mayor Black said.

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