Welcome to Waikato

NAU MAI, HAERE MAI (Welcome)
Discover the essence of Waikato: a place of powerful possibilities, where mahia te mahi; ‘getting the job done’ is in our DNA.
Te Waka is the authority on how best to power up the Waikato economy for the benefit of its residents and Aotearoa New Zealand more widely. A business-led and governed organisation, our purpose is to drive economic performance across the Waikato region.

About the Waikato

The Demographics
The Waikato is the fourth largest region in Aotearoa/New Zealand, and is home to 522,600 people,
which represents 9.5 per cent of Aotearoa/New Zealand's total population. It is one of the fastest growing

regions in the country.

Covering 25,000 square kilometres, the Waikato region stretches from the Bombay Hills and
Port Waikato in the north down to the Kaimai Ranges and Mt Ruapehu in the south, and from
Mokau on the west coast across to the Coromandel Peninsula in the east. The region has
1,138 km of coastline.

The Waikato region has:

the longest river in Aotearoa New Zealand (the Waikato River)
the largest lake (Lake Taupō)
internationally significant wetlands
the country’s most important geothermal systems
extensive native and exotic forests, and
Tongariro National Park.

The Economy

The subnational gross domestic product (GDP) of Waikato is $32,789m (2023), this represents a significant proportion of Aotearoa New Zealand's national GDP. GDP per capita sits at $40,964. (2023) and the mean household income at $109,483.

The region's economy is based on health care and social assistance, Professional scientific and technical services, Agriculture, forestry and fishing, administration and support services, and finally, arts and recreation services.

The Waikato region is one of the most productive regions in Aotearoa New Zealand. Its prime location and diverse economy are the springboard for innovation and boundless opportunity. It has a unique role to play in the economic powerhouse known as the Golden Triangle, made up of Auckland, Tauranga and Hamilton.

The Climate

The Waikato has a moderate level of annual rainfall, ensuring excellent growing conditions year round. The maximum temperature averages 13.5 degrees Celsius in July and 24.2 degrees Celsius in February.

Councils

Waikato Regional Council

Hamilton City Council

Taupo District Council

Waikato District Council

Thames Coromandel District Council

Hauraki District Council

Waitomo District Council

South Waikato District Council

Matamata - Piako

Useful Links

Follow this link to learn about how to set up operations in NZ, raising capital and investor visas.