Canon investing $2 million annually in Canterbury as region drives national growth

_{Pictured: Kotaro Fukushima, Managing Director & CEO - Canon Oceania, at the building opening event.}

Auckland, NEW ZEALAND – 9 October 2026 Imaging and technology company Canon is investing more than $2 million annually in Canterbury after the region emerged as the company's fastest-growing market in New Zealand, delivering 31% revenue growth and contributing to a 17% increase in national revenue over the past year.

The investment is funding its new infrastructure, 30 local employees, and an expanded showroom that showcases its latest range of products, along with additional space for its business services processing.

As part of the investment Canon recently opened a new Christchurch office and showroom at 7 Show Place, Addington, a purpose-built space designed to better support customers, business partners and employees across the South Island. The office was formally opened in September through a Mihi Whakatau and blessing led by local mana whenua.

Stephanie Kempt, Canon’s Country Manager – New Zealand, notes that the opening marks a significant milestone in Canon's continued investment in the region and its long-term commitment to Canterbury.

“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,” Kempt said.

The growth follows a significant shift in Canon's approach to the B2B market. Over recent years, the company has evolved from a predominantly direct-sales model to one that combines the strength of its own sales team with a nationwide network of independent dealer partners. The strategy has enabled Canon to extend its presence in regional communities, which delivers local employment, sustainable economic growth, deeper customer relationships and provides local businesses with access to specialist expertise and support.

“Businesses across Canterbury are investing in technology that helps them work smarter, operate more efficiently and manage information securely," said Daryl Young, CEO at 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.”

While businesses across New Zealand remain cautious about spending, Kempt said Canon continues to see strong growth across the market, with Canterbury being a bright spot. “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.”

Canon Oceania Managing Director and CEO, Kotaro Fukushima, said New Zealand had been a highlight for the company.

“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.”