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Why Christchurch?

Christchurch is a focus for technology and electronics production in New Zealand.

New Zealand has traditionally relied on Agriculture and other Primary industries for export earnings, but that focus is changing. For example: New Zealand wines have enjoyed prominence and acclaim internationally for more than a decade, but not even many New Zealanders are aware that the electronics industries now earn more foreign exchange for the nation. Christchurch has a number of large electronics producers and sotware firms.

In an article for North and South Magazine June 2002, Paul Titus writes:

"... in Christchurch dozens of electronics and software companies follow in the footsteps of South Island innovators ... and stars create businesses worth millions."

Though this smallish city is home to about 10% of New Zealanders, the top six firms here account for around 40% of New Zealands electronics goods.

Christchurch is a regional centre.

The South Island of New Zealand is a sparsely populated area of amazing contrast. Much of the South Island offers unparalled tourist opportunities, and outdoor related occupations. Christchurch is the major population centre to which attention is drawn when concerns tend to to the urban.

Christchurch offers people:

A vigorus cultural life including a local Orchestra and Ballet Company
Enthusiastic participation in Sports by many residents
Great food in many, many fine Resteraunts and Cafe's
Ready access to lots of outdoor persuits, like skiing, windsurfing, rock climbing, parapenting etc
A high general quality of life, with low crime rates and an atttractive city environment

Christchurch offers IT and electronics businesses:

A pool of businesses in electronics and technology
This results in a number of advantages for doing business here:
- Beneficial Network effects
  - A unique co-operative business culture
  - Tech BBQ an informal weekly gathering of IT and related professionals
- A large variety of businesses
- A high value of exports benefiting the local economy
- Numbers of skilled engineers and other staff
- Better commercial and industrial support for HiTech business like Business NZ
A Proactive City Council, with a strong social focus
Major Public education institutions:
Private education facilities, meeting industry needs for Graphics, Business, Language, etc

For a links to major local businesses and directories, see here.