ChristchurchNZ and education providers in the region have identified four strategic growth industries - 'Supernodes' - that will offer huge opportunities for students and graduates in the future.

Like many cities around the world, Christchurch is challenged with an aging population and the need to attract skilled talent to the city to support and grow our economy. Local government is working alongside businesses and education providers to identify strategic growth opportunities for the city's economy ('Supernodes') and then build strong ecosystems for these Supernodes that students and graduates can connect into. 

The four Supernodes are Future Transport & Aerospace, Health-tech & Resilient Communities, Future Food, Fibre & Agritech, and High-tech Services. High-tech services will act as an enabler (support) for the other Supernodes.  Christchurch & Canterbury have strong local capability and advantage in these industries, and there is huge global opportunity for each. We believe Christchurch can be a future centre of excellence in these industries. 

What does this mean for international students studying in Canterbury? If students are interested in a career in any of these industries, they will find well-connected communities made up of education, industry and government working to support students and graduates into these industries. There will be opportunities for students to connect with businesses for internships, and learn more about the industry here through hackathons, challenges, meetups and other events. Our education providers will be working closely with businesses to offer work integrated learning opportunities. 

More information can be found at www.supernode.co.nz, or please feel free to contact karen.haigh@christchurchnz.com for further information.