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Canterbury’s economic success relies on smarter transport investment

Date: | Author: Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Dr Deon Swiggs

Canterbury's continued economic success depends on a transport network that is reliable, resilient and fit for the future, says Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Dr Deon Swiggs.

Following the release of The South Island's Contribution to the New Zealand Economy report, commissioned by the South Island Regional Transport Committee Chairs Group, Chair Swiggs says Canterbury plays a critical role in supporting New Zealand's prosperity, with its strong agricultural, manufacturing, freight, tourism and export sectors helping drive growth across the country. 

Canterbury powers New Zealand’s economy

The report shows Canterbury is one of New Zealand's economic engines. Home to nearly 700,000 people, our region generates $55.6 billion in GDP, produces more than $11.7 billion in goods exports and attracts more than $2.4 billion in international visitor spending each year.

“From our farms and food producers to our manufacturers, logistics operators and tourism businesses, Canterbury makes an enormous contribution to New Zealand's success. The region's economy relies on efficient transport connections linking communities, businesses and export markets,” Chair Swiggs said.

Transport funding falls short of regional contribution

  • Canterbury accounts for 13.1 per cent of New Zealand's population
  • 13.9 per cent of all vehicle kilometres travelled
  • 15.3 per cent of the country's goods exports.

Yet in the year to June 2025, the region received just 5.5 per cent of National Land Transport Fund expenditure.

“That mismatch highlights the need for a more proportionate and evidence-based approach to transport investment,” he said. 

Rebalanced, evidence-based investment

Chair Swiggs is calling on all political parties to commit to rebalancing land transport funding across regions and activities, prioritising maintenance and resilience and investing based on evidence and freight demand.

The need is particularly important as Canterbury continues to experience strong growth, especially in Selwyn and Waimakariri, while rural and provincial communities remain critical contributors to New Zealand’s food, fibre and energy production.

Growth and exports depend on resilient connections

South Canterbury alone generates an estimated $3.8 billion in food and fibre exports each year, accounting for 6.2 per cent of New Zealand's total food and fibre exports, despite being home to only 1.2 per cent of the country's population.

“We need a transport network that supports the entire region, from Kaikōura in the north to Waitaki in the south, and from the Canterbury Plains to the high country. Whether it's moving exports through our ports, connecting visitors with destinations across the region, or helping people get where they need to go every day,” he said. 

“Maintaining and improving the infrastructure we already have is one of the smartest investments we can make. Stronger resilience, better maintenance and well-targeted upgrades help protect communities, keep freight moving and reduce the costs of disruption when severe weather events occur,” Chair Swiggs said.

“When Canterbury succeeds, New Zealand benefits. Ensuring we have a transport system that supports growth, connects communities and strengthens resilience will help secure that success for decades to come.”

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