News
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 […]
Building capability across our communities
This commitment has been strengthened for the coming year with a $15,000 general grant from Community Trust South enabling the Chamber to establish a Capability Investment Fund, and continue running its Building Capability Series of training workshops.
Chamber Link – April 2025
Kia ora and welcome to the April edition of Chamberlink. This month we’ve been proud to spotlight some of the incredible innovation and development happening right here in Southland. We recently hosted two events showcasing the Datagrid NZ project, which aims to open the country’s most significant data centre by 2028 in Makarewa. The first […]
Business Chamber launches ‘Reece McDonald Local Legend Award’
The Southland Business Chamber has launched a special new award as part of the 2025 Datagrid NZ Southland Business Excellence Awards — the Reece McDonald Local Legend Award. This people’s choice award honours the late Reece McDonald, former Board President of the Southland Business Chamber, who was not only a respected business leader but also […]
Southland exporters looking for opportunities in new US tariffs
Many Southland exporters are taking a “wait and see” approach to the United States’ new tariff regime, but believe the region won’t be as heavily impacted as others. US President Donald Trump has introduced a 10% tariff on top of existing tariffs to swathes of industries, but confusion reigns as exporters around the world try […]
Southland Business Chamber Board Announced for 2025/26
The Southland Business Chamber is pleased to unveil its newly elected board members for the 2025/26 term, reinforcing the Chamber’s commitment to fostering robust leadership and meaningful representation within the local business community. Following a strong turnout and competitive election process, the Chamber welcomes Breidi McStay, Marketing Manager at Windsor Architectural Hardware, as a newly […]
Datagrid eyeing 2028 opening of new data centre
Datagrid NZ is aiming to open the first phase of its US$2 billion (NZ$3.5b) data centre at Makarewa by 2028, but it’s still awaiting resource consent. The company is hoping that upcoming changes the to Resource Management Act will mean it’s resource consent to build on the land — which is classified as highly productive […]
Popular Southland party in Wellington returns
The event will bring together expat Southlanders, deep south residents, and those with strong ties to the region for some Southland hospitality in Parliament’s Banquet Hall. The iconic Southland Party is making its highly anticipated return to Parliament in Wellington in July this year. Southlanders and those with links to Southland are being encouraged to […]
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 bright, […]
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 […]