Owning your own regional Master Franchise
in New Zealand with James’ Home Services
Home to some of the world’s most spectacular scenery and a strong and stable society, with a population of 4,280,000 spread over two separate islands, New Zealand has undergone a significant economic restructuring over the last decade. Once almost solely dependent on primary industries, this innovative, progressive nation has now created a diverse and competition–friendly economy.
Industries such as bio–technology, telecommunications, IT, financial services, manufacturing, and film and media production have grown to prominence, alongside the agricultural and tourism sectors. Low rates of inflation and unemployment (5.1% and 4.2% respectively, as at September 2008) are an indication of the country’s economic stability. Utilities, rail transport and the postal service have been privatised to create greater efficiency, while strong trade ties with Australia and Asia have seen New Zealand’s GDP grow to over $NZ135 billion.
As an indication of the 21st century New Zealand economy, one only needs to look to the labour force: although dairy and meat still top the nation’s exports, only a minority of New Zealanders work in these areas (6.6%). The majority of the nation’s workforce are employed in wholesale and retail trade (22.3%) education, health and community services (17.8%), business and financial services (14.8%) and manufacturing (12.7%).
As James Home Services expands into New Zealand, opportunities abound, with new Regional Master Franchises now available for the first time, which means a lower investment cost.
Christchurch
Picturesque Christchurch, known as The Garden City, is New Zealand’s second–largest city, and the largest on the South Island, with a permanent population of 348, 400 and many thousands of visitors each year. The pro–active Christchurch City Council, winner of both national and international awards as an outstanding local authority, and the Canterbury Development Corporation (CDC – Christchurch's economic development agency) are dedicated to providing excellent quality of life and a globally–connected, world–leading regional economy.
Wellington
Wellington is located in the lower region of New Zealand’s North Island, overlooking the Tasman Sea to the west and bordered by the Tararua Ranges to the north, and the region also includes the coastal towns of Paekakariki, Raumati, Paraparaumu, Waikanae and Otaki; the Upper and Lower Hutt River Valley; the Rimutaka and Kaitoke Forest Parks; and the charming eastern settlements of Eastbourne and Wainouiomata.
Hamilton
Built on the Waikato River, Hamilton is the transport and industrial centre of the Waikato region, and is known as New Zealand’s “inland port”. Surrounded by some of the country’s richest farmlands, the region accounts for around 19% of the New Zealand’s total exports. While it lies in the heart of dairy country, it’s not only agricultural activities which boost the region’s coffers. Over 10,000 businesses are located in Hamilton, with key sectors including light aviation, transport logistics, science/biotechnology, light engineering, and education – the city is home to the University of Waikato as well as many other tertiary institutions.
Tauranga
Famous for its sun, sand and surf, the Bay of Plenty, (including Mt Maunganui, Papamoa, and the city of Tauranga,), is powering ahead, with impressive population and economic growth over the last ten years. Now home to around 257,379 and counting, this east–coast paradise on New Zealand’s North Island has changed dramatically from a sleepy retiree haven and holiday destination into a prosperous and rapidly–developing region. For those who like the leisurely lifestyle, however, boating, fishing, diving, and lazing on the beach are all big drawcards, with the construction of ocean–view apartments, homes and retirement resorts continuing to transform the area.
Hawke's Bay
Once known only as a “sheep and fruit” locality, the go–ahead region of Hawke’s Bay has now remodelled itself into a premier tourist destination, gourmet’s paradise, cultural mecca and hive of small–to–medium business activity. Stretching from the Mahia Peninsula south to Cape Kidnappers on the east coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the Hawke’s Bay area is now home to around 145,000 people, drawn by a combination of great work opportunities and emphasis on lifestyle.
Taranaki
Encompassing the south–west coast of New Zealand’s North Island, the region of Taranaki is full of energy, in more ways than one. Named for the majestic Mount Taranaki/Egmont, this exciting region is not only known for a love of sport and culture, but for recent exploration and development of its oil and gas reserves.
Southland
In recent years, the Southland region, which includes the city of Invercargill, the port of Bluff (home of the famous Bluff oysters), the Catlins region, and Stewart Island, has experienced considerable growth and development. The area now has a population of around 91,000, solid infrastructure is already in place, and developing sustainable business practices is a priority for the region.
Marlborough
Covering the northern section of New Zealand’s South Island, the Nelson / Marlborough / Tasman / West Coast region takes in 6 local centres with a total population of approximately 161, 400 and a GDP of over $NZ 3.2 billion.
Otago
The beautiful and historic Otago region is situated at the southern end of New Zealand’s South Island, and is made up of the Waitaki and Balclutha districts, the city of Dunedin, and the Central Otago region, including Alexandra and Cromwell and the famous Southern Lakes resorts of Queenstown and Wanaka. The total population is around 185,000, with an estimated two–thirds of that living in Dunedin, the second most–populated city in the South Island.
Northland
Rich in history, creativity and natural resources, with sweeping ocean vistas, fertile farmlands and virgin forests, the warm (sub–tropical) region of Northland is, as the name suggests, the northernmost part of New Zealand.
