16 July 2026
Rio Tinto | NZAS Socio-Economic Impact Assessment
Rio Tinto | NZAS Socio-Economic Impact Assessment (SEIA), examines the Southland economy and the role NZAS plays within it.
The assessment found a positive picture of the smelter’s contribution as a producer, employer, and purchaser of local goods and services, as well as the importance of its iwi and community partnerships in supporting these outcomes.
Key findings include:
- 917 full-time direct jobs, with broader support for 1,459 across the region
- The average NZAS salary* is significantly higher than national averages
- A $298 million contribution to Invercargill’s GDP, representing 6.9% of the city’s economy
- $224 million spent on staff and suppliers annually
- Ten priority actions developed from community engagement to guide their approach over the next two decades