Dunedin is a confident commercial centre with a global focus and a strong emphasis on design and innovation, underpinned by cohesive business connections, world class tertiary and health institutions, and a burgeoning talent pool. The city is enriched by successful businesses that produce cutting-edge products and services selling into global markets.
Strong knowledge base
As a city, Dunedin is fortunate to have acclaimed educational institutions and a number of businesses with strong research networks and a robust focus on R&D. Students, academics and entrepreneurs all contribute to:
- the internationally recognised research capability of the University of Otago
- the product development and market-testing expertise of the Otago Polytechnic
- high investment in R&D by local industries.
Innovation and talent
Dunedin people are smart and resourceful, and this is a youthful city. Education and training, Health care, professional and scientific services, technologies, biotechnology, niche manufacturing, engineering and the creative industries have all grown over the past decade, benefitting from a workforce of educated, talented people. Some 39% of Dunedin’s workforce are in highly skilled positions vs 33% nationally (Infometrics).
As of June 2025, 68% of Dunedin’s population were of working age (15–64) compared to 65% of New Zealand’s population. (Infometrics)
The style of doing business is open and relaxed, based on personal reputation and integrity. Dunedin’s small size makes it perfect for creating and fostering networks.
High-quality amenities
Dunedin's residents enjoy a high standard of cultural, leisure, public and natural amenities. The city boasts an enviable range of parks, reserves, tracks and cycleways. Our world-class venues and community facilities cater for everything from sporting events to concerts, exhibitions to festivals. And we have New Zealand’s largest collection of heritage buildings, some creatively restored for commercial and residential use, others enjoyed as churches, theatres and galleries.
A great lifestyle
Dunedin has a strong sense of place and cultural heritage, held together by active social networks and a commitment to local community. It’s easy to get around the city, and the housing is affordable.
A great quality of life: In a 2026, seven city quality of life survey Dunedin ranked first in quality of life with 83% of Dunedin respondents rating their quality of life positively; housing costs were the lowest among the seven cities surveyed. (Quality of Life Survey 2026)
The average travel time for vehicles on key suburb to city routes at peak times during the morning shows the average travel time on the four key routes measured is less than 15 minutes. (Dunedin City Council Transport 2026)
Nourished by a stunning natural environment with more green space per person than any other city in New Zealand, Dunedin residents enjoy the dual benefits of city life and a focus on environmental sustainability.