THE SOUTHERN EDGE

19-22 March 2026, Auckland

Live. Lead. Aspire

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Training done differently! 
A bold business leadership experience.

Step beyond the everyday and join us for an exclusive three-night/ four-day experience in Auckland with 24 like-minded Southlanders – designed to ignite fresh ideas, bold leadership, innovation and lasting connections.   

Featuring Mel Robbins live on her Let Them Tour, this transformative trip blends inspiration with practical insight – combining behind-the-scenes business visits, thought-provoking speaking events, and premium shared experiences that will leave you recharged, connected, and ready to lead with renewed purpose. Learn more.

The Why?

The Southern Edge is designed to do training differently!

It will add value and push boundaries - helping Southlanders see what’s next, make new connections, and bring fresh ideas home.

This is more than a trip - it’s a catalyst for leadership and growth.

Mel Robbins

Mel Robbins, one of the world’s most trusted voices.
The Let Them Tour is a high-energy, inspiring event that blends unforgettable storytelling with practical tools to help you take charge of your time, energy, and direction in life.
Expect connection, breakthroughs, and clarity - and walk away ready to take action on what matters most. This is more than a speaking event - it’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you laughing, moved, and empowered to let go of what’s holding you back .

Thursday

19 March

Arrive. Connect. Inspire

  • ✈️ Fly Invercargill → Auckland.
  • 🍳 Coach transfer to Recorp to see a state-of-the-art factory in action
  • 🍳 We will then connect over great food and conversation at our welcome dinner, getting to know one another – it's hands on for this one!
  • 🎁 Welcome pack will await you as we check into our hotel
  • 🍸 Continue the evening, or retire to bed pumped ready for day two!

Friday

20 March

Innovation in Action. Leadership in Motion.

  • Our second business tour is an opportunity to see the future of digital infrastructure up close at Tihi.
  • 🌿 You will then get the option of touring University of Auckland Newmarket Innovation Precinct OR visit Xero's office in Parnell where we will hear from authentic leader, Bridget Snelling.
  • 🍷 Next up we will visit Air New Zealand's Flight Deck to meet, and spend time with the Air NZ Executive team. 
  • 🌿 Free time to relax and get ready for our special evening.
  • 🍝 Firstly, group Dinner at Portofino, Viaduct Harbour before heading to 🎤 Mel Robbins LIVE – Let Them Tour, at brand new NZ International Convention Centre
  • 🍹 Sunset debrief drinks at Sudima Rooftop Bar to top the night off!
  • Saturday

    21 March

    Reflection. Connection. Celebration.

    • Balance free time with fun activities.

    • 🛍️ A leisure morning - it's your choice (free time) before we regroup at midday
    • 🌿 Time for a Southern Edge afternoon including a fun activity (no drinking before this one!) and to hear from Claire Barnes, reflecting on her 20 years in business and leadership journey.
    • 🍸 Our last evening will start with a cocktail hour at Queens Wharf Rooftop Bar
    • 🥢 Farewell dinner at Gochu, Commercial Bay – a modern Korean feast.

    Sunday

    22 March

    Farewell & Forward.

    ✈️ Depart Auckland → Invercargill.

    We say goodbye at the Invercargill Airport armed with new ideas, motivation, connections and confidence!

    What's Included

  • Return flights to Auckland
  • 3 nights accommodation
  • Ticket to Mel Robbins Let Them Tour
  • Airport and itinerary transfers
  • Innovative business tours and keynote speakers
  • Three dining experiences, and a surprise activity, plus
  • Tour hosted by your local Chamber team.
  • Keynote Speakers & Business Tours

    Claire Barnes

    Claire Barnes is the  CEO of Ecoya and founder of  Bowie Skincare.

    Bridget Snelling

    Bridget Snelling is the Country Manager for Xero New Zealand

    Tīhi Data Centre

    The Tīhi data centre is a leading Auckland facility operated by T4 NZ Data Centres. Features high-speed, highly resilient, and sustainable.

    Air New Zealand

    Visit to Air New Zealand Flight Deck to meet, and spend time with their Executive team. 

    FAQS

    What’s included

    • Return flights to Auckland ex Invercargill
    • 3 nights accommodation 
    • Ticket to Mel Robbins Let Them Tour at the brand new NZICC
    • Airport and itinerary transfers
    • Innovative business tours, and keynote speakers
    • 3 dining experiences, and a surprise activity, plus
    • Tour hosted by your local Southland Business Chamber team. 

    What’s not included

    Tour package does not include: 

    • Personal/travel insurance
    • Any drinks, coffees & beverages
    • Breakfast (Friday, Saturday & Sunday)
    • Lunch (Thursday, Friday, Saturday).
    • Saturday morning transport/ activities during your leisure (free) time
    • Personal spending and shopping! 

    How do I register?

    After registering at www.southlandchamber.co.nz, please complete one of the following Registration Form options:

    *Once the Word Document is completed, please email it to: leanne@southlandchamber.co.nz

    What if I have special dietary requirements?

    Please include any dietary requirements on the Registration Form. We will do our best to ensure your needs are catered for.

    What are the Terms & Conditions

    1.     Booking and Payment

    • Your Tour Package registration is confirmed upon full payment
    • To secure your place a non-refundable deposit of $450 is required by 18 December 2025, or within 7 days of registering.
    • Full payment of the remaining balance is due by 31 January 2026, or within 7 days of registration.
    • The Southland Business Chamber reserves the right to cancel any unconfirmed bookings if payment is not received by the due date.

    2.      Cancellations and Refunds

    • Cancellations must be received in writing.
    • A refund (less non-refundable deposit) will be offered if your cancellation is made before 31 January 2026.
    • If your package cancellation is made after 1 February 2026, we are unable to refund your tour package. Transferring your place to another person may be allowed, subject to Air New Zealand approval.
    • If the event is cancelled by the Southland Business Chamber, a full refund will be issued.

    3.      Travel and Accommodation

    • The package includes group travel and accommodation as outlined in the itinerary
    • Participants are responsible at their own cost any additional travel extensions, room upgrades, or additional hotel expenses, for example mini bar/ laundry.
    • Should flights be cancelled or delayed, or the event itinerary may be interrupted by unforeseen circumstances. All reasonable efforts will be made to manage and minimise disruption, however, additional costs or losses incurred will be the responsibility of the individual participant.

    4.      Meals and Personal Expenses

    • Meals  specified in the tour itinerary are included in the package. Any additional meals, beverages, activities, or personal expenses not expressly stated are the responsibility of the individual participant. Optional activities are also at the participants own cost.

    5.      Event Changes

    • The itinerary is subject to change based on availability, weather, or unforeseen circumstances.
    • The Southland Business Chamber will make every effort to deliver a comparable experience if substitutions are required.

    6.      Health and Safety

    • Participant must comply with all safety instructions from organisers and venues.
    • The Southland Business Chamber accepts no responsibility for injury, loss, or damage arising from personal negligence.

    7.      Code of Conduct

    • All participants are expected to conduct themselves professionally and respectfully throughout the tour.
    • The Southland Business Chamber reserves the right to remove any person whose behaviour disrupts the group or conflicts with the event’s purpose.

    8.      Insurance

    • It is strongly recommended that all participants hold current travel insurance covering medical emergencies, cancellations, and lost property.

    9.      Photography and Media

    • The Southland Business Chamber may take photos or videos during the event for future promotional use.
    • Please advise in writing if you do not wish to appear in any media

    10. Liability

    • The Southland Business Chamber acts as facilitator only and is not responsible for acts or omissions of third-party suppliers such as airlines, hotels, or event organisers.

    11. Acceptance

    • By registering and paying for this tour, participants acknowledge and accept these Terms and Conditions.
    • By submitting this form, you confirm that all information is accurate and complete.

    12. Risk and Liability

    • The organisers (Southland Business Chamber and affiliated partners) accept no responsibility for any loss, injury, accident, delay, or expense arising from acts of God, strikes, war, quarantine, weather, government actions, or any other cause beyond their control.

    Who do I contact if I have questions?

    You can phone Southland Business Chamber on 03 2187188 or email office@southlandchamber.co.nz