The latest from your Southland Regional Development Agency
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The Great South Update
October 2021
I appreciate that many people will be tiring of the COVID headlines and influence this is having on our lives. However, just a couple of months ago, none of us in the South would have thought that a family Christmas with our North Island whanau was unlikely to be possible this year, yet this is now a real likelihood!
I hope I’m wrong but this is just one of the ongoing and increasingly severe impacts of the Covid restrictions we are facing and having to cope with.
As we all know the focus is now on very high vaccination levels as the country’s primary response. Regardless of our view on the management of the vaccine roll out to date the reality now is high vaccination rates are going to be essential to recover our freedoms and, in turn, our economy in a broad and sustainable way. In this context, many businesses and organisations are also having to consider the issue of mandatory vaccination for their staff, a potentially difficult scenario for some with moral and legal challenges competing with the health and wellbeing outcomes we need.
For the sake of our economy and our people we need to start 2022 (Just 12 weeks away) with the knowledge that we have put the worst of Covid behind us and start looking forward again with a positive and optimistic outlook.
Please get vaccinated.
Nga mihi,
Graham Budd
Chief Executive
Latest News
EV Survey: Barriers to uptake identified
The Southland region has one of the lowest rates in New Zealand for EV uptake. Great South commissioned a survey to find out why, and the results are now available. Barriers included range anxiety, cost, battery lifespan and environmental concerns around replacement. Great South will be working on measures to address these concerns. You can read the full report at the link below.
Event funding to lure big numbers south
More than $550,000 has been distributed to events in Fiordland and Southland since April this year from the government’s Regional Event funds, administered by Great South. Established local events have benefited from the funding along with some national events expected to attract more than 3000 visitors. The Southland fund is exhausted, while $200,500 remains available for events based in Fiordland.
New era for space operations
It was a proud moment for Great South’s space operations business on 1 October, when it became Space Operations New Zealand Ltd. Robin McNeill is the new company's chief executive. High demand for its services from the 'new' space' community meant the change was necessary to develop and grow.
Summer of Work - online success
Summer of Work was to be a job fair held in person, but pivoting to an online event turned out to be a huge success. The employers involved made some really fun videos (click on the link below) promoting their workplaces and 235 students from all over Southland registered for the event. So far, more than 40 virtual meetings have been held between employers and students looking for work.
Fiordland Survey
Great South will be conducting a survey in Fiordland this month to get a better understanding of what effects the global pandemic has had on households and businesses. The results of the survey will help Great South advise central government on how best to support the community.
Great South appointment to Around the Mountain Cycle Trail Trust
Great South destination development advisor Nic Wills has been appointed to the new Around the Mountains Cycle Trail Trust. Her appointment complements the work Great South is doing with various cycling stakeholders Southland-wide.
Business News and opportunities
Funding for Southland District tourism businesses
Applications are now open for the government's Business Advisory Support and Advice Implementation Grant. Great South is administering these initiatives, which are part of the government's Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan. Check out eligibility and apply below.
Have you applied for help?
Your business may still be eligible for help due to Covid lockdown levels. For information about support for businesses and eligibility, click on the button below.
APEC CEO Summit - Auckland and virtual
The APEC CEO Summit in Auckland 11-12 November is going virtual, making it easy to attend along with some of the world's most powerful leaders. The event is held in NZ once every 21 years. Themes for discussion include the future of energy, the sustainability imperative, the state of the world with and post Covid, and the digital disruption opportunity.
GIDI Fund
If your business is committed to decarbonising and could do with some funding the help, the Government Investment in Decarbonising Industry (GIDI) Fund is now open. Applications close 18 October.
Southland Promotion
Te Anau Time campaign nationwide coverage
Set to coincide with the change to daylight saving, the Te Anau Time campaign has proved a hit, receiving nationwide attention on television and radio. The light-hearted 'news' that Te Anau would be putting its clocks forward and leaving them there struck a chord, and it was great to see some positive publicity.
Upcoming Great South Events
Go Global: Selling Wholesale with Alibaba.com
18 October
Alibaba is widely known as a way to reach consumers in China, but it can also help exporters reach wholesale buyers worldwide. Find out how ito get the best out of the platform and grow international B2B sales.
Exploring local communication challenges
9 November
Join communication and career expert Steph Holloway for an interactive workshop on communication across cultures. Share your own examples of miscommunication for discussion, get tips on the way Kiwis communicate and learn how to speak your mind clearly and with respect.
Body language across cultures
9 November
Join communication and career expert Steph Holloway as she delves into the art of body language. Gain an understanding of common body language gestures and learn how you can help prevent cross-cultural misunderstanding.
Training Opportunities
Performance Management
20 October
Southland Business Chamber
More information
Health & Safety Representative Training
21-22 October
Business South
More information
Essentials of Leadership
18 November
Southland Business Chamber
More information
Work Smarter - Not Harder
26 November
Business South
More information
Upcoming Events
