About Gisborne

Gisborne lies on the east coast of New Zealand's North Island and is the first city in the world to see the new day. The Gisborne District renowned for its sub-tropical summer days, long sunshine hours and warm temperatures is commonly referred to as the East Coast or Tairawhiti. The Maori name Tairawhiti means the coast upon which the sun shines across the water. Long, uncrowded beaches and untouched wilderness, virtually on your doorstep - fresh locally grown produce in abundance - a lively outward looking community that is friendly and supportive - Gisborne has everything for an excellent lifestyle.   It is rich with business and employment opportunities, relatively low property costs and first class educational choices, Gisborne is a great place to live, work and play! For more information click here www.gisborne.govt.nz to visit the Economic Development Unit web site or right click the following link and choose "Save As" to download the Gisborne District - On the World's Edge  (1.4mb) document to your computer.
Living and Playing in Gisborne....... Gisborne is a sanctuary.  A safe and friendly district offering first-class education, recreation, leisure and cultural opportunities.  Its warm, mediterranean style climate and long, uncluttered beaches complement the relaxed lifestyle for which the region is renowned. Easy access to true wilderness areas enables participation in an array of land and sea-based sport from golfing at one of the top courses in the country, surfing several of the best breaks in New Zealand, hooking a trophy trout in the Ruakituri River or rafting down the surging white water on the picturesque Motu. The jewel in the crown on the district's numerous parks and gardens is Eastwoodhill Arboretum, 75 acres of the largest collection of Northern Hemisphere trees, shrubs and climbers in the Southern Hemisphere. The region's temperate climate and fertile land not only inspires a gardener's paradise, it also provides a land of milk and honey - an abundance of fresh fruit and vegetables, some of the country's best beef and sheep meat, wines, milk and cheese plus organic honey and a coastline of fresh seafood. Gisborne is New Zealand's second largest grape-growing district and, as its self-appointed title Chardonnay Capital of New Zealand suggests, made its mark with the chardonnay variety.  In addition to its thriving boutique winery scene, its cider and beer are also renowned on the award circuit.
Doing Business... A strong agricultural sector, forestry and a range of associated and diverse manufacturing businesses form the base of the district's economy.  Gisborne also has a reputation for award-winning quality and innovation through its speciality cheeses and beer, wine and cider products; its popcorn, milk products, hosiery and surfboards; its plastics and cashmere production; and its organic farming and health products from the manuka tree.  The district also attracts a range of investment from light manufacturing, food processing and innovative enterprises to wood processing. Gisborne is serviced by sea and air and it's port is a major exporter of logs.  Tourism related industries are also growing and attracting investment.