Venture Timaru

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.

01/05/2026

And there’s more …

30/04/2026

Downtown Timaru was in the Aussie spotlight recently, when breakfast TV show Sunrise broadcast from Heritage Place, as part of a Central South Island tourism campaign to attract visitors across the ditch. Around 3 million Australians watch Sunrise each day, which means it's some more great profile for our district 😀

As the sun rose in Timaru, 8-year-old Monty Laming looked down the lens of the Sunrise breakfast show camera and greeted his grandmother across the ditch.