14 September 2025
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 available to Chamber members and the wider public, offers valuable insights into each candidate’s priorities and perspectives. Topics covered include support for new businesses, attracting and retaining talent, economic development, regional promotion, events strategy, and how to improve the movement of people, freight, and exports in and out of Southland.
It’s encouraging to see all mayoral candidates acknowledge the vital role SMEs play in Southland’s prosperity.
This initiative offers a unique opportunity for voters, particularly in the business community, to make an informed choice when casting their vote.
Download the mayor candidates’ responses plus read Andrew Clark’s response.