Canon opens Christchurch office in AUD $2 million push

Canon has opened a new office and showroom in Christchurch as part of an annual investment of more than AUD $2 million in Canterbury.

Canterbury has become Canon's fastest-growing market in New Zealand, with regional revenue rising 31% over the past year. According to the company, this contributed to a 17% increase in its national New Zealand revenue.

The investment includes the new site, an expanded showroom, additional space for business services processing and support for 30 local employees. The Addington office is intended to serve customers, partners and staff across the South Island.

The opening was marked by a Mihi Whakatau and blessing led by local mana whenua. Canon said the Christchurch site was purpose-built.

Regional growth

The Canterbury expansion comes as Canon reshapes its business-to-business strategy in New Zealand. It has shifted from a mainly direct sales approach to a model that combines its sales team with a nationwide network of independent dealer partners.

According to Canon, the change has helped extend its reach into regional centres. It says the model has supported local employment, broadened customer access to specialist support and strengthened ties with businesses outside the largest cities.

Stephanie Kempt, Country Manager - New Zealand, Canon, linked the Christchurch move to the company's longer-term plans in the region.

"Opening Canon's new Christchurch office was more than a relocation project, it was a strong indicator of the confidence we have in the future of Canterbury. The new space gives us the capacity to grow our team, showcase our technology and work even more closely with customers across the region," said Kempt.

Canon said business conditions across New Zealand remain cautious, but it continues to record growth, with Canterbury standing out. Kempt said the region had shown particularly strong momentum.

"It has been our standout market. There's real momentum in the region's businesses, and we're backing it for the long term.

You can feel the confidence in Christchurch right now. The new stadium has brought crowds back into the central city, and we've seen corporates, tertiary institutions, retailers and other growing businesses investing in the region. For us, that's meant new customers setting up around the precinct and existing customers expanding, helping make Canterbury our fastest-growing region in the country," said Kempt.

Partner model

Local dealer partner Heartland Technology said customers in Canterbury were investing in systems designed to improve efficiency and information handling. The comment points to broader demand among businesses that remain selective about new spending.

"Businesses across Canterbury are investing in technology that helps them work smarter, operate more efficiently and manage information securely," said Daryl Young, Chief Executive Officer, Heartland Technology.

"Our partnership with Canon, along with their high-quality technology and support, has enabled us to help customers navigate that transition and achieve better business outcomes," said Young.

Canon's New Zealand business has also gained ground nationally in office printing, according to the company. Kotaro Fukushima, Managing Director & CEO, Canon Oceania, said the local market had been a strong performer for the wider group.

"Our growth to the number one position in New Zealand's office printing market reflects the strong relationships we've built with customers and partners across the country. Canterbury in particular shows what is possible when a dedicated local team works closely with businesses to support their growth. The confidence we're seeing in the region is creating new opportunities for both our customers and Canon, and we're proud to be investing alongside them," said Fukushima.