News
Chamber Link – March 2025
. Kia ora and welcome to Chamberlink. Southland businesses are starting the year with renewed confidence, as reflected in our latest Business Confidence Survey. Overall business confidence has surged by 17 points to +48, with 62% of businesses expecting a stronger regional economy over the next 12 months. Investment and employment prospects are also looking […]
Chamber Charities
For the past three years, our team have been delivering Meals on Wheels every fortnight. Today, the staff adopted Ronald McDonald Family Room at Southland Hospital.
Networking a walk in the park
Connecting with like-minded business-people in Invercargill is now as easy as a stroll in the park, thanks to a new networking initiative. NetWalking, the brainchild of Southland Business Chamber events manager and Young Enterprise Scheme regional co-ordinator Leanne Humphrey, involves twice-monthly lunchtime walk-and-talk sessions around the city’s Queens Park. Humphrey said the aim was to […]
Business Confidence Survey
The survey for the quarter ending 28 February 2024 is now open and we ask you to take a few minutes to complete this.
Southland’s wet spring leads to an increase in cargo at South Port
Southland’s record wet spring has led to a substantially improved financial performance by South Port New Zealand in the first half of the 2024-25 financial year. The Bluff port company’s operating revenue from port services in the six months ended on December 31 was $29.57 million, up on the previous first-half result of $25.48m. South […]
Chamber Link – February 2025
. Welcome to 2025 – A Year of Opportunity for Southland Businesses Kia ora and welcome to the first Southland Business Chamber new look Chamber Link! We’re always looking for ways to improve what we do for our members, especially how we communicate our message, so we’ll be rolling out a series of AB tests […]
Let’s Rally Behind SIT and Rebuild Together
Southland has always been synonymous with resilience, innovation, and an unshakable sense of community. We’re a region that knows how to adapt, rise to challenges, and create opportunities. As the Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) regains its independence, we have a unique opportunity to rebuild not only its reputation but also the economic engine it represents for Southland’s growth and prosperity.
2025 Training Calendar Released!
Take a moment to explore the range of training offered, view our online training calendar, or download our interactive 2025 Training Calendar.
Housing Challenges Persist as Fiordland Housing Project Paused
As the end of 2024 is fast approaching, the Fiordland Business Association (FBA) wishes to provide an important update regarding the Fiordland Housing Project. Despite strong community interest and dedicated efforts to address local housing needs, we regret to announce that the initiative is being placed on hold as the required minimum number of contracts has not been secured.
Southland Team Wins Top National Award at Young Enterprise Scheme Awards
Southern Regional Co-ordinator, Leanne Humphrey, applauded the team’s achievement, saying: "It’s incredible to see a rural Southland team win on the national stage. These students have worked so hard, and their passion and dedication truly paid off. Their win is a testament to the innovation and talent in our region."
Amazing Chase Southland: City Edition
The Southland Business Chamber are issuing a warning to the public this week ahead of the inaugural Amazing Chase Southland: City Edition. The Amazing Chase: Southland Edition will see teams from workplaces throughout Murihiku descend on the Invercargill CBD for two days of action-packed festive fun.
Govt loan to boost Southland’s aquaculture industry
Southland Business Chamber chief executive Sheree Carey also welcomed the announcement, saying investment would be needed to achieve the $1.5b goal. “This is a good start.” The work at the Ocean Beach site was working because all the people involved in aquaculture were sharing ideas and resources, she said.
History made with entrepreneurial talent’s second straight win
The YES program in the Southern regions, which spans Southland, Queenstown, and Wanaka, has provided a platform for students to explore the world of business. The YES (Young Enterprise Scheme) Regional Finals, held on October 22 at SIT CentreStage Theatre, showcased the impressive entrepreneurial talent from across the southern regions. With 160 students, 51 teams, […]
‘Disappointing’: Air New Zealand scraps Wellington-Invercargill route
Those in the deep south will soon have fewer options to get to the North Island as Air New Zealand pulls the pin on its Invercargill to Wellington service. The flights will stop from January 19, 2025, the airline has announced. Air New Zealand general manager domestic Scott Carr said the decision has come down […]
Southland innovator’s bipod products gets ultimate SEAL of approval
A Southland engineer’s hunting rifle bipods have have been given the ultimate seal of approval after he received an order for his products from the US Navy – home of the Navy Seals. Ethan Todd, entrepreneur and founder of Backlanz, a company that manufactures a range of innovative bipods and accessories, also won the NZAS […]
Southland Business Talent Showcased During Minister’s Visit
Southland’s business enterprises were front and center when the Minister of Small Business and Manufacturing, Andrew Bayly, visited Invercargill yesterday. “I had a really interesting day in Invercargill, meeting a range of successful businesses with my wonderful colleague, Invercargill MP Penny Simmonds,” said Mr. Bayly. “Many people don’t appreciate how significant Southland’s economy is to […]
Southland exporters shine at gala awards
Southland’s most innovative and successful exporters were celebrated on Friday night. The Export Southland Trust hosted 240 export businesses and their supporters for the biennial DHL Export Gala Dinner at the Ascot Park Hotel. Winners on the night included Backlanz founder Ethan Todd, George Munro - Hokonui founder Laura Todd, Davaar & Co, Resolution Farming App, and agriculture entrepreneur Keith Neylon.
Southland Business Chamber building te ao Māori connections
The Southland Business Chamber is working to bridge a gap between the Māori and Pākeha business communities in Murihiku, and the first step is for its own staff to begin on a te reo Māori journey themselves. “We realised there was a missing puzzle piece in our business community,” membership and stakeholder engagement manager Adam […]
Plans to sell Fiordland homes for under $200k
Imagine snapping up a two-bedroom home, in Te Anau no less, for around $190,000. Or what about a one-bedroom, installed and connected, for $160,000. These are the options available in Te Anau’s planned 30-unit worker village designed to solve one of the tourist town’s biggest problems.
Submission on Vocational Education Reforms Consultation
You can read the Southland Business Chamber’s submission on Vocational Education Reforms Consultation here. We encourage the Southland community to also make a submission on the Government’s proposal on the Redesign of the vocational education and training (VET) system. Submissions close Thursday 12 September, and can be emailed to: VocationalEducation.Reforms@education.govt.nz
‘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.