investment in health infrastructure
$1.6B+
15-25%
lower operating cost due to commercial rent, compared to Auckland
$650,000
average house price in Dunedin
Research has shown Ōtepoti Dunedin is entering a new phase of medium to high-growth expansion. The city is transforming from a steady regional centre into a dynamic growth hub; home to cutting-edge industries, creative enterprises, and billions of dollars in infrastructure investment. This includes the new Dunedin Hospital, education and research facilities, housing developments, transport upgrades, and revitalised precincts.
start-up sector, in cooperation with CODE
$1B+
Ōtepoti Dunedin offers a supportive ecosystem where your business doesn’t just survive, it thrives.
A future-ready economy; more high-value jobs, exports and business resilience
Urban revitalisation; activated precincts and vibrant neighbourhoods
Low-carbon transformation; cleaner energy, green industries and climate resilience
National leadership in health; a centre for excellence in wellbeing and health sciences
Stronger identity and culture; a city proud of its past and confident in its creative future
Invest Ōtepoti Dunedin is the "Shaping Growth for Ōtepoti Dunedin's Future Plan" for the city, developed and led by Business South. It exists to promote strategic precincts to public and private investors, de-risk projects through connections, data, and facilitation and unlock investment-ready opportunities that match the city's long-term goals.
Are you a business based in Ōtepoti Dunedin and keen to be involved?
Read the plan here.
We help businesses succeed through expert advice, strategic investment matching with aligned partners, and connecting you to the right people across our extensive networks.
HOW WE HELP
Ōtepoti Dunedin presents diverse investment opportunities for a wide range of industries from health to tech, green infrastructure to tourism and food and agribusinesses.
OPPORTUNITIES
Ōtepoti Dunedin is emerging as New Zealand's premier health and life sciences hub, anchored by the country's largest health infrastructure investment and supported by world-class medical research capabilities. This sector offers diverse opportunities from direct healthcare services to cutting-edge biotechnology commercialisation.
The largest health infrastructure investment in New Zealand’s history ($1.5B+).
Opportunities in private health services, medical tech, diagnostics, aged care, rehabilitation, and allied health and important to attract talent and workforce to the region.
Collaboration opportunities with Otago University’s globally ranked medical school, biotech labs, and research institutes.
Commercialisation of health tech, devices, and pharmaceuticals.
Scope for health-adjacent businesses: medical accommodation, catering, cleaning, logistics, and tech-enabled patient services.
Ōtepoti Dunedin's reputation for academic excellence creates substantial opportunities in both traditional educational services and innovative technology solutions. The city's deep academic talent pool is driving growth in EdTech startups and supporting services for the thriving student community.
Over 25,000 students attend Otago University and Otago Polytechnic creating strong demand for student services, housing, and retail businesses.
Strong demand for student campus services, and businesses catering to the large international student population requiring specialised support and cultural services.
Growing EdTech startup sector using local academic talent and direct access to students for testing new learning technologies and platforms.
University partnerships with businesses creating spin-off companies that turn research into commercial products across health, technology, and science sectors.
Ōtepoti Dunedin offers a natural home for creative and digital industries, with heritage buildings repurposed as innovation hubs supporting technology startups and established tech companies.
Proven success stories include Animation Research Ltd (winner of 4 Emmy Awards), demonstrating ability to scale tech businesses globally.
Investment opportunities spanning SaaS platforms, game studios, and creative technology serving domestic and international markets.
Startup ecosystem featuring Innov8HQ incubation, StartUp Dunedin mentorship, and CODE providing technical training and connections.
Growing demand for creative content production facilities and specialised studios supporting film and digital media projects.
Government support through Film Commission incentives, development grants, and tax advantages for qualifying enterprises.
Ōtepoti Dunedin's growing reputation as a premium destination is creating significant gaps in high-end accommodation and hospitality services. With expanding cruise tourism and increasing demand for large-scale events, the city offers strong investment potential across accommodation, attractions, and event infrastructure.
Significant gaps exist in premium hotels, luxury eco-lodges, and boutique accommodation facilities near the city centre and harbour precinct.
Port Chalmers serves as a major cruise hub creating opportunities in tours, attractions, and passenger services.
Large-scale sporting events, music festivals, and corporate conferences requires investment in modern venues and hospitality services.
Strong opportunities to leverage Dunedin’s UNESCO City of Literature status and vibrant arts scene including visual arts, music, theatre, and cultural festivals.
As the gateway to Otago's premium primary sector, Ōtepoti Dunedin offers exceptional opportunities in high-value food and beverage production and export. The region's focus on quality products creates investment potential across sustainable processing facilities, agritech innovation, and export logistics infrastructure.
Ōtepoti Dunedin serves as the commercial gateway to Otago's primary sector, including premium dairy, grass-fed meat, sustainable seafood, manuka honey, and craft beverages.
Investment potential in sustainable food processing facilities, cold storage systems, and export logistics infrastructure supporting.
Emerging opportunities in agritech innovation including precision farming technologies and traceability solutions enhancing product quality.
Growing demand for specialty manufacturing facilities supporting artisan producers and value-added processing transforming raw products into premium exports.
Ōtepoti Dunedin is positioning itself as a leader in sustainable development, with strong potential for clean energy projects and circular economy initiatives. Growing demand for environmentally responsible solutions creates opportunities across renewable energy, waste minimisation, and green building projects.
Ōtepoti Dunedin's favorable geography creates substantial potential for wind energy installations, solar power systems, and small-scale hydro projects serving local needs.
Emerging business models focus on innovative recycling solutions, circular economy and resource recovery systems that transform waste streams into valuable commodities.
Increasing demand for sustainable property developments drives opportunities in green building construction, energy-efficient retrofits, and environmentally certified developments.
Ōtepoti Dunedin's urban transformation is creating significant property investment opportunities across commercial, residential, and waterfront developments. Population growth and city centre revitalisation are driving demand for mixed-use projects, medium-density housing, and harbour-side developments that capitalise on the city's natural assets.
City centre revitalisation projects to create resident and housing growth, mixed-use developments combining retail and residential spaces, and commercial facilities attracting businesses.
Build-to-rent developments and medium-density housing projects address growing population demands, student accommodation needs, and urban living preferences with convenient access.
Waterfront redevelopment opportunities include retail precincts, waterfront dining establishments, and residential developments maximising scenic views while creating community spaces.
Infrastructure improvements including upgraded transportation links, enhanced public facilities, and sustainable building standards supporting long-term property value appreciation.
Ōtepoti Dunedin's strategic location as a gateway to the South Island is enhanced by growing port and airport infrastructure. Investment opportunities exist in expanding logistics capabilities to support the region's export growth and capitalise on improved connectivity for freight and specialised transport services.
Port Chalmers enhancements include expanded container handling facilities, improved rail connections, and specialised infrastructure supporting growing export volumes.
Dunedin Airport's increased capacity for international and domestic flights creates investment opportunities in freight handling facilities and specialised logistics services to leverage the Airport’s growth potential.
Investment opportunities in sustainable transport solutions including electric vehicle charging infrastructure, rail freight expansion, and low-emission logistics services supporting environmentally responsible cargo movement.
We connect you with investors who share your vision, bring relevant expertise, and provide funding to scale your business growth.
Investment Matching
Through our extensive networks, we connect you with industry specialists, government agencies, potential customers, suppliers, and collaborators to accelerate growth and navigate challenges.
Connecting You to the Right People
Get practical advice from our experienced team to clarify goals, identify opportunities, and develop clear action plans for confident business decisions.
Talk to Business Support
Learn more
CEO Business South
Mike Collins
Mike Collins is the inaugural CEO of Business South, formed from merging Otago Chamber of Commerce and Otago Southland Employers' Association.
Previously held executive roles at Southern District Health Board and Otago Polytechnic.
Dominique Dowding
Chair Business South Board
Dominique Dowding is Chair of Business South board and CEO of Dunedin's Grand Casino.
She's an experienced company director and MD of Dowding & Associates with multi-industry expertise.
With our leadership team's extensive connections and partnerships, we connect you to a world of opportunities, strategic partnerships, and influential networks that drive business growth and success.
Contact us today to find out more
