Aucklanders might miss the cuisine, but they definitely wouldn't miss the traffic.

Blue skies, short commute times, and affordable houses.

That's what Timaru is selling, and it's gone all the way to Auckland to do it.

With Timaru's labour shortage almost at a "crisis point", the town is pushing hard to recruit new residents launching a multi-pronged campaign encouraging people to set themselves up in the 'Riviera of the South' and its first target is Aucklanders fed up with house prices and traffic.

Supplied Aoraki Development hopes images like this will appeal to Aucklanders stuck in traffic.

The town's economic development agency Aoraki Development commissioned the campaign, which aims to tackle an issue many businesses face in recruiting staff into key positions.

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* Cheaper housing, job opportunities the key to attracting new residents to Timaru district​

* Timaru tempting potential residents

* Something for everyone in South Canterbury

* Bringing people to South Canterbury

* Better way of life here

* Timaru still one of the most affordable

South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce chief executive Wendy Smith said there were a range of businesses in Timaru crying out for new employees.

Grant Shimmin/Stuff A stunning sunrise over Timaru's Caroline Bay beach on August 1, 2018.

These included transport firms, food processing, the manufacturing industries and also professional roles such as project management and planning and regulation.

"The chamber has being lobbying this Government to enable our skilled and valuable migrants to stay here and contribute to our economy and our communities," Smith said.

Timaru-based Stafford Personnel managing director Carol Newman said with unemployment at one of the lowest rates in the country (2.8 per cent) businesses across the board were crying out for more staff.

MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/FAIRFAX NZ Aoraki Development chief executive Nigel Davenport is looking to take the campaign to Christchurch next.

"It's every industry, and every range, from skilled to unskilled workers. It's almost at a crisis point. Right now, we simply need more people," she said.

Dealing with the issue of labour shortages on a daily basis through her work at the recruitment company, Newman said she was pleased to hear about the campaign.

Aoraki Development chief executive Nigel Davenport said the campaign would see billboards, promoting Timaru's short commute times, affordable property prices and friendly lifestyle, erected in high traffic areas of Auckland on Mt Albert and Boston rds. There will also be a social media campaign, with six different videos promoting different aspects of Timaru.

MYTCHALL BRANSGROVE/STUFF Caroline Bay is a welcome stroll from the Timaru CBD.

The billboards will be up for two months.

"We have allocated a budget of up to $25,000 associated with this campaign over coming months – covering campaign design work, billboards, social media, associated videos, website placement, media pack for businesses, and so on. This has been finalised after extensive research into other comparable options to get our message out there and we believe this is a cost effective spend."

Davenport said one of the key points highlighted by businesses in attracting young, skilled staff to move to Timaru, was housing affordability.

"The lure of potentially owning their own home was reported to be the most significant drawcard after the job itself, in attracting and holding younger staff here, and this has resulted in the focus of the campaign," he said.

"Our businesses need more skilled staff. To sit back and do nothing, isn't an option, so we're trying something new and exciting with this promotional campaign that's launching this week."

Davenport said the organisation was targeting a variety of demographics, but much of the focus would be on people looking to advance on the property or career ladder.

DOUG FIELD/STUFF Timaru mayor Damon Odey, pictured at Caroline Bay, reckons Timaru has it all - affordable houses, short commute times and a great lifestyle.

"We haven't really beaten our chest about the good things we have to offer, and now is the time to do it."

According to the latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand figures, the median house price for Timaru is about $350,000, which was about a third of the average home price in Auckland.

"House prices are always on the minds of Aucklanders. Well, the good news is that they can afford a house in Timaru and our businesses need more skilled staff, so we'd love them to consider us."

The logos and overall concept for the promotional campaign have been produced by Timaru company Yellow Design.

"We couldn't be more pleased with it. I think it shows the sheer diversity of businesses we have in Timaru and the wider South Canterbury region."

To tie in with the campaign, the two billboards at the north and south of Timaru will be updated with the 'We love Timaru' message. Plans are also underway to push the campaign into Christchurch later in the year.

Supplied An Auckland budget will get the homebuyer a lot more in Timaru.

Timaru District Mayor Damon Odey said he was impressed by the "simple and clear message" of the campaign.

"We've got affordable houses, a great lifestyle, and short commute times. What more do you want?"

"We need to tell our story to as many people as possible."