Bobbi Brown project lead for Southland strategy refresh 

Great South has been contracted to lead long-term planning for the region as part of the Government's Southland Just Transition Workplan. Leading the process will be Bobbi Brown, who has been seconded to the role for 18 months. Just Transition is a Government and regional collaboration to help Southland transition to new low carbon industries following the planned closure of the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter.

Datagrid land purchase a great sign

Southland is one step closer to securing a billion dollar data centre. Great South has been supporting Datagrid, the company behind the project, with technical information to help them find suitable land and assisting with carbon neutral aspects of the project, such as harnessing the waste heat generated.

Support available for event organisers 

Great South is supporting event organisers as they make the tough decisions about whether to go ahead with their events during Covid restrictions. Advice is also available to event organisers with funding and sponsorship, linking to suppliers, marketing and more. Some useful tools can be found at the button below.

Summer of Work success

The inaugural Southland Summer of Work was a huge success, with 235 students registering their interest and around 50 getting jobs directly through the event. The concept, which was part of our Southland Youth Futures Programme, was even picked up by Central Otago to meet fruit picker demand. 

Surveying our holiday hotspots

Following on from a survey carried out on Stewart Island last Summer, Great South has been undertaking surveys of visitors to The Catlins and Fiordland. The results will help inform future destination planning, management and improved visitor experience.

Event funding available: Fiordland only

A further round of Regional Events Funding is available for events to be held in Fiordland, with $200,500 still available. Applications close 25 February. The funding is for events that attract visitors from outside of the region due to a lack of international visitors. For criteria and more information click on the button below.

Supporting skilled migrants and their employers

Great South's Skills Placement Programme provides free support to skilled migrants in helping them find work suitable to their skillset, as well as support to Southland businesses recruiting them. This includes negotiating cultural challenges and connecting skilled migrants and their spouses with employment information and opportunities. You can find out more and contact our coordinator at the button below.

Tourism business funding

If you have a tourism business within the Southland District Council rating area you may be eligible for the Government's Business Advisory Support and Advice Implementation Grants. It's worth checking what is defined as a tourism business - you may be eligible and not know it!  Find out more and apply below.