Year: 2024
‘Fantastic News’: 70 new Southland jobs created at Fonterra
Southland Business Chamber CEO Sheree Carey expressed her enthusiasm for the Fonterra project. “This is fantastic news for Southland. Fonterra’s investment in the Edendale site is a strong vote of confidence in our region’s capabilities and future. The creation of new jobs and the opportunity for local businesses to contribute to this project are key factors in driving economic growth and ensuring the long-term prosperity of Southland.”
Business Confidence
The recent survey results show a marked uplift in the sentiment among Southland businesses, signalling a positive shift in the economic outlook for the region. The optimism displayed by local businesses is a strong indicator of confidence in Southland’s economic prospects. This growing confidence is an encouraging development for our local business environment.
Southland Business Chamber Responds to Meridian Energy’s Decision to Pause Southern Green Hydrogen Project
Southland Business Chamber CEO Sheree Carey stated, “We recognise the extensive work and partnerships formed over the past few years as part of this project. These efforts have reinforced Southland’s role in the renewable energy landscape, and we are confident that, when economic conditions align, this project will be revisited with renewed focus and commitment.” She added, “The Chamber will continue to support initiatives that drive economic diversification and leverage Southland’s natural advantages.”
Celebrating 5 Years of Jet Service Between Auckland and Invercargill: A Milestone in Connectivity and Growth
Today marks the fifth anniversary of the historic direct jet service between Auckland and Invercargill — a service that has transformed connectivity, driven economic growth, and created new opportunities across Southland. Invercargill Airport, alongside its regional partners — including business, community, funding, iwi and civic leaders — is thrilled to celebrate this milestone, reflecting on […]
Ocean Beach: When food, science and tourism collide
“We’re thrilled to see the world taking notice of the innovative work we’re doing with pāua, whitebait, and seaweed, and it’s an honour to share this with our guests.” Behind its Chernobyl like exterior a once a quiet epicentre of aquacultural innovation, is now becoming as a must-visit destination for tourism.
Kiwibank report: ‘Southland leading the way’
Southland Business Chamber CEO Sheree Carey said it was good to see the region was strong as part of another national assessment. Although she did acknowledge there were lots of business in various sectors still struggling in the south and was looking forward to inflation going down in the next year to help ease some of that pain.
Twelve Southland business owners graduate from programme
The Icehouse Business Owner Programme is a three-month initiative designed to equip business owners with the skills, knowledge, and networks necessary to redesign their businesses for the future. Twelve Southland businesses have graduated from the Icehouse Business Owner Programme organised by the Southland Business Chamber. A Southland Business Chamber statement says the achievement underscores the […]
Finalists announced for Southland Business Chamber’s export awards
The finalists for this year’s Southland Business Chamber Export Gala awards have been announced. The business chamber’s event manager Leanne Humphrey said she was thrilled to be able to announce the finalists and said she was excited about the diversity and calibre of this year’s submissions. “Record numbers were received, from big businesses to some innovative start-ups,” she said.
Hotelier hands out earplugs due to frequent troublemakers
Carey had spoken to Southland area commander Mike Bowman, who had told her police would be meeting with Invercargill Central and Oranga Tamariki to look for solutions, she said.
Ocean Beach centre impresses economic development minister
Campbell was equally impressed. “The scalability of aquaculture in Southland is something we are incredibly excited about,” he said. “Witnessing such innovation and potential here in our region is inspiring. “Ocean Beach has the potential to draw global attention and position Southland as a leader in sustainable aquaculture.”
No market for new Invercargill hotel, ILT boss says
Westpac Smarts event hosted by the Southland Business Chamber continues to create thought leadership opportunities for business leaders.
Two years on: Ground floor success, first floor challenge
Invercargill Central centre manager Kelvin Mooney - through Southland Business Chamber CEO Sharee Carey - provided an update as part of a Westpac Smarts event on Wednesday. “Invercargill Central continues to see steady growth month on month for like-for-like stores which is bucking the national trend in shopping centres,” Mooney said in his update. “We are now fully tenanted with retail, with one small and one medium food space on the ground floor left to lease.” Mooney said a highlight was landing JB Hi-Fi and Ballantynes last year as tenants for Invercargill Central.
Frustration heats up over fire-damaged Dee St building
The Southland Business Chamber held a ‘Westpac Smarts’ panel discussion on Wednesday with Ramsay and Invercargill City Council Michael Day.
Businesses confident in Southland’s direction
The survey was conducted before Rio Tinto announced that the New Zealand Aluminium Smelter at Tiwai Point would remain open for at least another 20 years. Carey said it would be interesting to see the impact this would have on business confidence when the next survey was completed in six weeks’ time.
Red Sea Situation & Impact on Global Shipping
Rising rates from Asia, particularly China, impact global shipping as spot rates reach record highs Economic & Demand Outlook Increased order volumes and early surge in demand on Transpacific route and Europe, with strong inbound volumes from Middle East and LATAM. Supply & Capacity Conflict in the Red Sea absorbs additional capacity, causing delays, congestion, […]
Southland bucks job advertisement trend
Southland Business Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey said "The announcement of the 20 year Tiwai deal has in turn ensured confidence in a flow-on of industries to expand and also new industry to invest in the region, bringing a diverse range of employment opportunities across key sectors such as agriculture, engineering, manufacturing, tourism and healthcare." She said people were drawn to work in Southland for various reasons. "Its high quality of life, affordable living costs, strong community spirit and proximity to stunning natural landscape.
Need a job? Move to Southland
Sheree Carey CEO Southland Business Chamber said, "We are not surprised about the increase in job ads in Southland, highlighting the region's resilience and growing opportunities. The announcement of the 20 year Tiwai deal has in turn ensured confidence in a flow-on of industries to expand and also new industry to invest in the region bringing a diverse range of employment opportunities across key sectors such as agriculture, engineering, manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare. People are drawn to work in Southland for its high quality of life, affordable living costs, strong community spirit, and proximity to stunning natural landscapes. Whether you're looking for career growth, a balanced lifestyle, or a supportive community, Southland has much to offer.
Booming Southland needs to find 2800 skilled workers
Southland will need more than 2800 additional skilled workers to meet the projected surge in demand from a $3.9 billion pipeline of work, according to Waihanga Ara Rau, the Workforce Development Council for Construction and Infrastructure. This work includes the $687 million remediation of Tiwai Point, a new wind farm at Kaiwera Downs, and the T4 Group Data Centre in Invercargill.
A reminder of the ‘really good stuff’ happening in Southland
At number 8. Chamber: 'This is momentous for Southland - Securing the future of the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter.
No 1 ranked region: Southland topples Auckland for top spot
Southland has been ranked No 1. “We are now being seen as a growth region because the confidence is there for people to come and invest in our region" - Southland Business Chamber CEO, Sharee Carey
Southland Business Chamber Calls for Accountability in Leadership
The Southland Business Chamber, while advocating for this change, remained dedicated to working with the city council to promote business growth and foster a vibrant economic and cultural environment in Invercargill, she said.
DHL Market Update
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More polytech ‘upheaval’ to restore autonomy – Simmonds
It was time for communities to take back ownership of their polytechnics and their training needs, Simmonds told a Southland Business Chamber meeting on June 7.
Region set for boom, leaders say
Southland Business Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey also expected last week’s announcement to positively impact employment opportunities and population growth. "We anticipate increased confidence among residents and businesses alike, fostering an environment conducive to population growth," she said. "Encouraging entrepreneurship and fostering a thriving business ecosystem would be crucial in accommodating the needs of a growing population." Investing in trades training and development programmes would ensure Southland’s workforce remained skilled and adaptable to meet new demands, she said
South exultant on Tiwai power deal
Southland Business Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey said the announcement not only secured the future of the smelter, but it provided a foundation for the entire region to thrive.