A catalyst for growth
The Taupō Economic Ambition sets a clear direction to 2060, one that leverages our natural power, strengthens industry, grows high-value jobs and protects the environment and cultural identity that defines our district. It provides a catalyst for industry sectors, iwi, government and community to coordinate investment, planning and action. Taupō’s future prosperity depends on growing smarter, not just faster. Sustainable, high-value economic growth will enable the district to:
✔ Strengthen industry and businesses
✔ Attract investment and skilled talent
✔ Align central, regional and local government investment
✔ Build resilience to climate and economic shocks
✔ Grow premium, low-carbon exports
✔ Create secure, future-focused jobs
✔ Protect the natural and cultural assets that underpin the district's identity
For Taupō to sustain a thriving, diverse economy across its key sectors, the district must keep pace with advances in technology, innovation and new ways of working that lift productivity, resilience and overall wellbeing.
The Taupō Economic Ambition has been developed for the purpose of aligning our economic vision, engaging with our industry sectors, jointly creating the vision for these key sectors and identifying the future opportunities and challenges of our district’s largest industry sectors for future growth.
Future demand
Based on previous industry driven growth, Taupō’s population is projected to reach 67,400 residents by 2060.
Requiring an additional:
12,400
additional homes
15,000
new jobs
24,700
population growth
The Economic Ambition for 2060
*Based on previous industry-driven growth. Source: Taupō District Council Future Development Strategy (FDS)
Taupō's competitive advantage
Natural power
NZ's largest renewable energy ecosystem — geothermal, industrial heat, solar, hydro and low-emissions manufacturing.
Entrepreneurial energy
A strong industry and SME base, innovative operators and a collaborative business culture.
Geographic advantage
A central North Island hub with productive land availability and strong transport links.
Environmental &
cultural strength
World-class natural assets, deep iwi partnerships and rich cultural landscapes.
Sectors shaping Taupō's future
To sustain a thriving, diverse economy, Taupō must keep pace with advances in technology, innovation and new ways of working that lift productivity, resilience and wellbeing.
Growth pathway to 2060
1
Foundations
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Develop enabling sector strategies with partners
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Validate and embed the ambition through partnership
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Confirm industrial land and spatial priorities
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Grow the district's reputation as a place to live, visit and invest
2
Activation
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Implement infrastructure investment via the Long-Term Plan and government investment
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Increase regional capability, skills and enterprise development
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Attract anchor investors in key sectors
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Scale and diversify economic activity to 2060
3
Building Momentum
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Strengthen cross-sector integration and district-wide resilience
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Support growth of high-value employment
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Enhance industry productivity and competitiveness
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Grow export markets and product
4
Prosperity
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Recognised nationally and internationally as a leader in clean energy, sustainable tourism, bioeconomy and innovative primary industries
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A liveable, vibrant place for our people and businesses
Enablers for long-term growth
Infrastructure & Spatial Planning
Industrial land, housing, transport, digital infrastructure and energy transmission.
Workforce & Talent
Training pathways, talent attraction and housing supply.
Innovation & Technology
Geothermal R&D, agritech, biotech, cleantech, SME development and digital capability.
Investment Attraction
Anchor investors, iwi co-investment and renewable energy based value propositions.
Where people and place prosper together
Taupō's future is shaped by natural power, bold ideas, strong partnerships and deep responsibility to people and place. By embracing sustainability, innovation and purposeful growth, the Taupō District will unlock enduring prosperity — an economy that's resilient, inclusive and thriving for generations to come. For a confidential discussion about the opportunities available, contact Rick Keehan.