Venture Timaru

23/06/2026

To mark World Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating Azaria’s ambition to start a career in engineering, and the support of Bleeker and Weith 2018 Ltd, that helped open the door.

Azaria knew she liked making things. She enjoyed working on projects with her dad at home and took practical courses such as woodwork at school. She knew her hands-on skills could transfer into an industry that has become a rewarding career path so far.

After meeting James at a careers expo hosted by Venture Timaru, Azaria took up work experience through Gateway while she was still at school. That opportunity helped lead to an apprenticeship and the beginning of her engineering career.

Her achievement is worth celebrating. Choosing a trade, stepping into a workplace, learning from experienced people and committing to a career path takes confidence, determination and the right support around you.

Azaria’s story shows young people, and particularly young women considering engineering, that there are meaningful career opportunities available right here in the Timaru District.

It also highlights the important role local employers play in creating those pathways. Employers like Bleeker & Weith invest in people at different ages and stages, providing practical experience, mentorship and a workplace culture where capability and commitment matter.

As James put it, “We don’t have diversity here. We have engineers.” It is a simple but meaningful reflection of a team culture where people are valued for the contribution they make, the skills they bring and the potential they have, to grow.

Tania Stoddart, Business Development Manager at Venture Timaru, says, “I’ve met with James on numerous occasions to discuss working life at Bleeker & Weith, and I love his saying that his team are ‘there for the weekends’. It is a great acknowledgement of the importance of work-life balance, and of providing opportunities that support people’s lives outside of work. People value the opportunity to succeed in work and in life. It’s a simple statement, but one that holds a lot of value.”

Timaru District is a place where people can succeed, not just because of the opportunities available, but because of the businesses and employers who are willing to support, train and back local talent.

Congratulations Azaria! Your story is an inspiration to others thinking about where their own pathway could lead.

Thank you, both, for taking time out of your busy day to celebrate

20/06/2026

It’s World Productivity Day, and we have plenty to celebrate!

Productivity is about working smarter, trying new ideas and using practical technology to get better results.

A great local example is ProVision, a South Canterbury company using drone technology across agriculture, pest management and other specialist work. Their tools help landowners and industries carry out important jobs more safely, efficiently and sustainably.

Check out the amazing work of Khan Adam and his team and see local innovation in action on Instagram videos,
or visit their website. https://provision.nz/

And for the fellow data nerds among us, who love a good stat - here are a few figures that back up our performance:

Our high-performing agriculture, manufacturing and construction sectors outperform national productivity benchmarks and highlight the strength of our local economy:
• Agriculture: $204,490 GDP per filled job — $49,724 above the New Zealand average.
• Manufacturing: $154,872 GDP per filled job — $19,547 above the national average.
• Construction: $108,933 GDP per filled job — $10,022 above the national average.

Timaru District is a productive, practical and forward-thinking place to do business👊

11/06/2026

Earlier this week, we caught up with local business owner and engineer Andrew Geddes and his team to hear more about the growth of Machinecraft and the role businesses like theirs play in shaping the future of our district.

From precision engineering to CNC capability, Machinecraft is supporting a diverse mix of existing and emerging industries — from agriculture, food production and manufacturing through to specialist engineering, mining, prototyping and advanced technology projects.

We love seeing local businesses grow, adapt and invest in the ideas, equipment and skills that help move their industries forward. Machinecraft is a strong example of how innovation, capability and a genuine passion for engineering can open doors across multiple sectors, while creating real opportunities here at home. Businesses like this reflect our districts local talent, ambition and future-focused thinking.
Thanks for having us, Pete, Troy and Andrew.

Our role is to support economic growth across our district and a significant part of that is working alongside the businesses that are already here. Visits like these help us better understand the roadblocks that may be holding people back, so we can help connect businesses with the right support, advice and opportunities to keep moving forward. If something is getting in the way of your next step, reach out to our team - we’re here to help.

09/06/2026

Need a hand with your home baking? 🍞🥐
From lunchbox staples and morning tea shouts to sneaky sweet treats, our district’s local bakeries are here to meet your everyday kneads with fresh, delicious baking.

Whether it’s a warm loaf of bread, flaky pastries, everyday cookies, or specialty treats, our local bakers are serving up the goods that we all love and appreciate.

Sweet or savoury? What’s your top pick?

Support local and shop fresh across our district.
Berry Barn Bakery & Cafe in Gerldine offer a wide range of classic kiwi favourites.

Expect beautiful home style baking from the Temuka Bakery. They also offer morning, afternoon teas and lunch catering.

For old fashioned favourites, The Bread Basket in Timaru has all your daily staples and doughnuts sell out fast!

Award winning U-Bake has the most extensive range of baking in our district. There is absolutely something for everyone!

03/06/2026

We’re always delighted to see locally grown businesses like Alpine Buildings NZ Ltd and Attika continuing to thrive and invest in long-term, sustainable growth.

Yesterday, Venture Timaru was proud to join the Alpine & Attika teams, alongside local businesses and community leaders, to celebrate the official opening of their new premises and hear more about the vision and journey behind the investment.

It is always encouraging to see local businesses continue to evolve and back themselves, particularly where there is a strong entrepreneurial story behind that growth. Building and growing businesses from local foundations into something larger is exactly the type of ambition and commitment that helps strengthen our wider region.

The new facility is a state-of-the-art workspace that will support future innovation and growth, while also helping attract and retain talented people — an important ingredient for any business looking to continue building momentum.

Venture Timaru Chief Executive Nigel Davenport said: "Seeing local businesses continue to invest for the future is always encouraging. Growth like this strengthens individual businesses, creates opportunities for people and sends a strong message about the confidence that exists in Timaru and South Canterbury.
Continued investment by local businesses demonstrates the opportunities available here and helps shape the future success of our district."

Congratulations to the entire Alpine Buildings and Attika teams on this exciting milestone and the next chapter ahead.

A move to bring key parts of a nationwide business together under one roof was a signal to the wider region that local people want to invest in South Canterbury, its managing director says.

02/06/2026

Meet your local butchers (pun intended!) 🥩

From family roast dinners to gourmet creations, our district’s local butchers are serving up quality cuts, expert advice and good old-fashioned service.

Who’s your go-to local butcher? And what’s on the menu at your place tonight?

Did you know?

The Point Butcher offers a specialist mobile abattoir service and stocks plenty of tasty treats for your four-legged family members too.

Geraldine Butchery is a favourite among food lovers, with premium meats and everything from everyday cuts to soup bones for a rich winter broth.

Eastside Butchery Temuka is home to award-winning sausages and bacon that keep locals coming back for more.

Cloudy Peaks Butchery in Timaru has your everyday essentials covered, along with quick and easy meal options, including their popular range of pinwheels.

Support local and serve up something delicious from one of our district's butchers this week. ❤️

21/05/2026

Latest stats are out for the Timaru economy, and some pretty positive news for tourism here, "translating into real visitor expenditure" in the district. Plus there's also a modest recovery in GDP, that is tracking slightly above the national average for the year to March. Read more in The Timaru Herald today

As a popular beachside destination It earned the title of the Riveria of the South in the early 20th century, and latest economic data shows Timaru’s popularity with tourists is on the up.

20/05/2026

Already gearing up for next cruise season 2026-2027 - and PrimePort Timaru Limited is working to attract more ships to call in future years. We'll be working with them to ensure the visitors have a really positive experience in our district.

Staff at Timaru’s port have undergone special training in the Netherlands in preparation for the arrival of the longest cruise ship next February.