Advocacy

Our advocacy programme ensures our members’ views are represented on policies and decisions at a local and national level, with the aim of removing barriers and enabling an environment of innovation, growth and productivity for the benefit of business.  

Through submissions, engagement with officials and the media, and as part of The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce network we have been able to affect change for businesses of all sizes and in all sectors. 

The New Zealand Chamber of Commerce (NZCCI), with 30 Chamber offices nationwide, supports 22,000 members providing a voice for business and opportunities for growth. Through NZCCI, we are part of the world’s largest international business network, the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC). Founded in 1919 and today, representing over 45 million companies through Chambers of Commerce in over 100 countries. ICC is the voice of world business championing the global economy as a force for economic growth, job creation and prosperity.

The network helps you create a collective voice, build international networks, and new relationships with potential customers, suppliers, partners and promotional opportunities at various business events.    

The Southland Business Chamber conducts a quarterly Business Confidence Survey – click here to read the Insight Reports.  

Our team also work collaboratively with others to deliver collective impact including:

• Fiordland Business Association (FBA)
• Strategic partner of COIN South, an innovation network for Southland start-ups and businesses looking to scale beyond the region 
• Shareholder of Great South, Southland’s economic development agency 
• Our Project & Engagement Manager, and Southland Business Chamber Director served on the Southland Regional Skills Leadership Group (RSLG)
• Southland Just Transitions, leading the Business Transitions workstream 
• Contract holder for ENGAGE – Southland’s Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster, and Innovation Ecosystem project’s
• Beyond2025
• Southland Business Chamber Director appointed Chair, NZ Chamber of Commerce Inc Board  
• Invercargill City Centre Master Plan Governance  
• Workforce Attraction Project
• Southland Housing Action Forum (SHAF)
• Southland Regional Development Strategy (SoRDs).  

Our members’ feedback is vital for us to understand and advocate for solutions to the challenges that you face. We encourage you to get in touch whether there are issues, or opportunities that you would like to see us take an active involvement in.