New Zealand’s technology export sector posted record revenues of NZD $20 billion in the financial year 2025, an increase of 9.9% over the previous year. The performance highlights the growing economic importance of technology, cementing the sector as the country’s third largest export earner after dairy and tourism.

Revenue growth

The top 200 technology exporters, as ranked by the Technology Investment Network, generated NZD $20 billion in total revenue. Export earnings also reached a new high at NZD $15.31 billion, up 12.4% on the previous year. The report attributes this growth to consistent global demand and ongoing investment in research and development.

High-Tech Manufacturing remained the main contributor, recording an 11.5% increase to NZD $9.8 billion. Information and communications technology (ICT) followed, growing 8.9% to NZD $8.93 billion. The biotechnology segment increased 4.9% to NZD $1.25 billion, reflecting New Zealand’s growing capabilities in health and life sciences.

“Reaching $20 billion in total revenue marks a major milestone for New Zealand’s tech sector. The data shows an industry that’s truly hitting its stride – powered by record R&D investment, rising profitability, and strong offshore demand. What we’re seeing is a globally competitive ecosystem that’s established, resilient, and firmly positioned at the centre of Aotearoa’s economic future,” said Narjis Adnan, Head of Research, Technology Investment Network.

Employment trends

The sector’s employment base grew by 778 to reach 61,369 employees within the TIN200 companies. This reflects a sustained trend in high-value job creation and productivity gains across technology-focused industries. Offshore employment growth within the TIN200 has outpaced domestic expansion by almost three to one over the last decade, indicating a globalising workforce among New Zealand’s technology firms.

Leading companies

Xero and Fisher & Paykel Healthcare were the first companies in the TIN200 to achieve NZD $2 billion each in annual revenue. Other top performers included Fisher & Paykel Appliances, Datacom Group, and Rocket Lab. Collectively, 40 businesses now post revenues in excess of NZD $100 million, up from 19 in 2015. Sixty-seven firms report annual revenues above NZD $50 million.

Regional performance

Auckland remained the centre of activity, with NZD $10.5 billion in revenue generated. Wellington followed with NZD $5.2 billion. High-earning companies from these areas are engaged in diversified activities including advanced manufacturing, medical devices, software, and fintech.

Capital investment

Venture capital and early-stage funding activity increased, with NZD $467 million invested across 146 deals – up from NZD $349 million across 144 deals a year earlier. New entrants in cleantech, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing suggest diversification within the sector.

Fintech and health technology industries have become particularly prominent, together accounting for nearly NZD $6 billion in revenue. New companies also feature in areas such as clean technology and advanced engineering, positioning New Zealand for future export-led growth.

Long-term expansion

Over the past decade, cumulative TIN200 revenue has grown by 123%, from NZD $8.95 billion in 2015. The number of companies earning NZD $200 million or more has increased from three in 2005 to nineteen today. Technology has increasingly been recognised as central to New Zealand’s long-term economic strategy, evolving into a key driver of export earnings and national prosperity.

“The tech export sector continues to defy the economic headwinds that have slowed other industries. We’re seeing a more diverse, globally connected ecosystem of Kiwi companies competing at scale – from advanced manufacturing and aerospace to AI and fintech. This growth has been driven by a long-term focus on innovation, R&D investment and high-value jobs that are reshaping New Zealand’s economic future,” said Greg Shanahan, Managing Director, Technology Investment Network.