The latest from your Southland Regional Development Agency
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Pink Penguin Studio
The Great South Update
March 2022
It’s a rather surreal time in the world right now isn’t it? We’ve just prepared our six-monthly performance report for Great South and I couldn’t help but reflect on the extraordinary environmental conditions we are in…
On top of Covid impacts globally and locally, protests included, we have Russia invading Ukraine. It’s all quite shocking! On the other hand, record dairy prices are forecast and post-Brexit trade agreements being settled with the UK will benefit our primary sector exporters.
Countering that are global fuel supply and price concerns as well as multiple other challenges in our supply chains affecting nearly all sectors. Throw in climate change, environmental and land use challenges, and some very large sector structural and regulatory change and it’s a bit hard to catch a breath!
A small window of hope has been opened for international visitors to be able to arrive without self-isolation, as Kiwis can now. Announcements on this will hopefully come from the Government soon. The tourism sector certainly needs that certainty and some clear dates.
None of this will be news to anyone but my observation is that the scope of change and uncertainty is probably the most intense it has been throughout the last couple of years and directly or indirectly this will be affecting everyone in our community.
So, go easy!
Nga mihi,
Graham Budd
Chief Executive
Latest News
New $3.77 million fund to help Southland meet net zero emissions
A new $3.77 million contestable fund is now available to help Invercargill businesses transition from LPG, coal and diesel heating systems to low emission energy sources. Great South is administering the Government Waihōpai / Invercargill Decarbonisation Contestable Fund in partnership with the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority. Applications close Friday 29 April 2022.
Great South Six-monthly Report
Great South's Six-monthly Report highlights the vast array of activity carried out across the organisation between 1 July and 31 December 2021. The report can be viewed on our website at the button below.
Employers needed for mock interviews
Our Southland Youth Futures programme is looking for Southland employers or HR staff to conduct mock interviews with students as part of its Work Ready Passport programme. Only one or two hours of time is required and it will help students gain confidence and experience before they do the real thing. For more information, please email us below.
Fixed term roles available
We have two exciting fixed term roles available. One for GM Tourism and Events, the other for a Destination Development Advisor. You can find details about both roles and apply at the button below.
Business News and opportunities
Covid-19 info business support update
A new COVID-19 Support Payment was made available by the Government this week. You can find links to the information you need about that fund and other funds available on our website. Click on 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.
Sign up for Digital Boost - be in to win!
The last few years have highlighted the importance of having a digital presence. If you want to upskill in the digital space, learn how to build a website, understand online advertising or simply learn what a digital presence is, sign up for Digital Boost. It's free!
Invercargill boiler decarbonisation fund - apply now!
If your business is using LPG, coal or gas for heating, you may be eligible for the Government Waihōpai / Invercargill Decarbonisation Contestable Fund to help with a transition to low emission energy sources. Applications close Friday 29 April 2022. More information and apply at the link below.
Southland Promotion
'Te Anau Time' campaign relaunch
Our highly successful 'Te Anau Time' campaign is relaunching on 21 February. The campaign is possibly our most successful to date, with 20 million digital impressions since its original launch in 2021, which coincided with daylight saving. The new campaign will run until the end of April and focuses more on activities. As well as digital and print advertising, the campaign will feature on billboards nationwide.
Do you receive our monthly tourism newsletter?
Each month we send out a newsletter with news specific to tourism. If you don't already receive it and would like to, please email us below.
Great South Events
Southland Youth Futures - Food Fibre Agritech
POSTPONED (was 23 March)
In response to the significant growth and investment in the food, fibre and agritech sectors, Great South is organising a careers day for students to explore careers in the sector. If you would like your school to be involved, contact the Southland Youth Futures team at the button below.
Training Opportunities
Women in Leadership Virtual Luncheon
8 March
Southland Business Chamber
More information
Health and Safety Representative Training (stage 1)
7 April
Business South
More information
Time and Self Management
17 March
Southland Business Chamber
More information
Essentials of Leadership
31 March
Southland Business Chamber
More information
Upcoming Events
Long Lunch, Te Anau
2 April 2022
