Category: Uncategorized
Chamber Board Position On Southland Local Government Reorganisation
Thank you to everyone who took the time to complete the Chamber’s recent member surveys on Southland’s local government reorganisation. We appreciate the considered feedback, practical insights, and range of views shared by members across both rounds of engagement. After reviewing the survey results and the themes raised, the Southland Business Chamber Board has resolved […]
Turn Your Advertising into Real Community Impact
The Southland Business Chamber is excited to partner with Add!mpact to offer members a new way to promote their business while supporting the Southland business community. Members can now advertise on the Southland Business Chamber’s Training & Events Calendar through the Add!mpact platform. It’s a simple and affordable way to increase your business’s visibility with […]
July Chamber Link now available
The latest edition of Chamber Link is now available, showcasing the people, businesses, and projects helping shape Murihiku Southland. This edition features a strong mix of regional business news, practical insights, member success stories, advocacy updates, and Chamber activity designed to keep businesses informed and connected. Inside you’ll find: A snapshot of the projects, investments […]
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. […]
Local success, business insights and regional growth – June Chamber Link is here
Kia ora, The latest edition of Chamber Link is now available, bringing together the stories, insights, and opportunities shaping Southland’s business community. This month’s edition highlights the confidence, innovation, and resilience that continue to drive our region forward. Inside you’ll find: A message from the CEO reflecting on the Murihiku Regeneration Wānanga, business confidence, and […]
Business Confidence
The May 2026 Southland Business Confidence Survey reflects a more cautious business environment, with confidence softening across many key indicators compared with February 2026. While businesses remain positive about Southland’s long-term prospects, rising costs, global uncertainty, and fuel-related pressures are weighing on business sentiment and investment intentions. 40% of respondents expect the Southland economy to […]
Winter Wellness – Keep your whānau safe and well this winter
Cooler weather means more people are likely to get sick with colds, flu, COVID-19, and other respiratory illnesses, such as whooping cough. With more sick people around, the chances of illnesses being brought into your workplace increase. To protect your employees and visitors from infections and maintain business continuity we recommend sharing this information with your staff. The […]
Southland’s Local Government Reorganisation
Southland Business Chamber Position Statement The Southland Business Chamber Board supports reform through the Southland local government reorganisation process, provided it delivers a simpler, more coordinated regional model while protecting meaningful local voice. This position reflects the clear feedback from our membership and wider respondent base. Businesses are telling us that the current structure creates […]
Southland leading the way – May 2026 Chamber Link is here
Kia ora, There’s a lot happening across Southland right now, and this edition of Chamber Link brings together the key updates, insights, and stories shaping our business community. Inside the May edition, you’ll find: Business news and insights, including employment law changes and practical AI tools to improve productivity Inspiring member stories, from Todd & Co […]
Your Chamber Link is here – March 2026
Kia ora, Welcome to the March 2026 edition of Chamber Link is now live — a celebration of Southland business. 👉 Click here to read Chamber Link – March 2026 Inside this issue: CEO Reflections Making Headlines, and celebrating success Chamber News Business Insights & Information Export Southland Advocacy in Action Local Events Ngā mihi nui, Southland Business […]
Your Chamber Link is here – February 2026
Kia ora, The February 2026 edition of Chamber Link is now live — bringing you the latest updates, success stories, and opportunities from across the Southland business community. Inside this edition: From the CEO: Insights and how we’re supporting momentum in 2026 Celebrating Success: Local wins, national recognition, and the achievements driving Southland business forward […]
Chamber Link – December edition now live!
Kia ora, As 2025 draws to a close, the December edition of Chamber Link is now live — a celebration of Southland business. Inside this edition: CEO Reflections Making Headlines Celebrating Success Latest Insights and business information Chamber News Business advocacy in action 👉 Click here to read Chamber Link – December 2025 We love […]
SIT is Back – Why Southland’s Institution Matters
The return of SIT to local autonomy is a defining moment for Southland. It is more than a governance change. It is the restoration of an institution that has long been central to our regional identity and economic strength. SIT has always been a strategic asset for Southland. It brings students into the region contributes […]
Southland Business Confidence Eases, but Regional Outlook Remains Stable
The latest Southland Business Confidence Survey (November 2025) shows confidence has eased this quarter, with businesses taking a more cautious view of both regional conditions and their own performance. This comes despite a lift in sentiment toward the New Zealand economy. A standout result this quarter is the unanimous confidence in the direction Southland is […]
Chamber Link – November edition now live!
Kia ora, A wrap of Southland business news, wins, and what’s next. This edition is packed with achievements, insights, and community highlights: From the CEO The Southern Edge Southland businesses making headlines Award wins at home and abroad Latest Insights and business information Chamber News Business advocacy in action Real stories from our members Upcoming […]
Chamber Link – October edition now live!
Kia ora, The October edition of Chamber Link is now live – and it’s packed with Southland business success, practical insights, and updates to support you and your business. 👉 Click here to read Chamber Link – October 2025 Inside this issue: Here’s a taste of what’s inside: From the CEO: Sheree Carey shares regional […]
The humble orange traffic cone’s good news story
During an acceptance speech at Friday night’s Southland Business Excellence Awards Traffic Management Services Ltd owner Kerrian Simpson, in jest, was happy to poke some fun at himself. It’s fair to say the humble orange traffic cone has had a difficult year, as politicians and the public alike have lined up for a crack at […]
Traffic management company wins top gong at Southland Business Excellence Awards
Southland’s largest specialist traffic management provider, Traffic Management Services, has won the supreme award at the 2025 Southland Business Excellence Awards. The company was one of many celebrated at a sold-out gala at Invercargill’s Ascot Park Hotel on Friday night, bringing together more than 400 business leaders, supporters and sponsors. A Southland Business Chamber statement […]
Mayoral candidates share views ahead of October elections
In the lead-up to the October 2025 local government elections, a group of small business owners, part of the Southland Business Chamber’s Business Owners Breakfast (BOB) Connect, invited prospective mayoral candidates for both Invercargill City Council and Southland District Council to respond to key questions that matter most to local enterprise. The resulting paper, now […]
Encouraging to see confidence climbing
The August 2025 Southland Business Confidence Survey shows a lift in local confidence compared to earlier this year, with businesses expressing more optimism about the region’s outlook and their own performance. Three-quarters (76%) of respondents are confident in their ability to deal with disruption (up from 57% in May 2025), while 67% expect the Southland economy to […]
Chamber Link – August edition now live!
Kia ora, The August edition of Chamber Link is now live – and it’s packed with Southland business success, practical insights, and updates to support you and your business. 👉 Click here to read Chamber Link – August 2025 Inside this issue: Here’s a taste of what’s inside: From the CEO: Sheree Carey shares regional […]
Business Chamber: Economic talk lacking at council table
“I’ve only had one candidate reach out to me to talk about what business would like to see around the council table.” Southland Business Chamber CEO Sheree Carey has been surprised by a lack of engagement from Invercargill mayoral candidates on what the council could do to help businesses in the city. Carey also told The […]
Your July 2025 Chamber Link is here
Kia ora, The July edition of Chamber Link is now live – and it’s packed with local success, business insights, and practical updates to support you and your business. 👉 Click here to read Chamber Link – July 2025 Inside this issue: From the CEO: Sheree Carey shares wins, future focus & new regional momentum […]
Sentiment shifts as Southland businesses balance caution with confidence
Business confidence in Southland has softened since earlier in the year, with many local enterprises signalling a more cautious approach amid persistent operating pressures. The findings, drawn from the latest Southland Business Confidence Survey conducted by the Southland Business Chamber from 12 to 30 May 2025, show a decline in overall sentiment but also highlight […]
Chamber Link – May 2025
Kia ora koutou, Congratulations to Chris Hughes, who has been re-elected as Chair of the Southland Business Chamber, and to Melissa Dykes, who will carry on in the role of Deputy Chair. Their leadership, insight, and commitment to Southland’s business community will be instrumental as we head into a pivotal period of strategic renewal. As […]