The latest from your Southland Regional Development Agency
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The Great South Update
April 2021
There has been a lot happening in the tourism and events space of late. And it is with a sigh of relief for everyone, but especially tourism operators, that the Trans-Tasman bubble has been announced for April 19.
This news will be tui song to the ears for Te Anau, which has been hardest hit of all New Zealand by the lack of international travellers.
Great South will have a permanent office in Te Anau from now on, as it is now operating both the Southland and Fiordland regional tourism organisations, Visit Southland and Visit Fiordland.
Also timely, is that Southland is front and centre of this month’s Kia Ora magazine. We are very pleased to have an excellent working relationship with Air New Zealand and are looking forward to continuing that in attracting Kiwis and now Aussies to our beautiful region.
Nga mihi,
Graham Budd
Chief Executive
Latest News
'You're Due South' Campaign Launched
A new campaign for Southland is designed to promote action to travel instead of just adding it to the 'bucket list'. You're Due South will appear on a variety of platforms and all marketing activity will drive viewers to a website with suggested touring itineraries for a range of interests.
Fresh Start for Southland RTOs
Great South is looking forward to working with Fiordland tourism operators as well as those in Southland as it is now operating both of the southernmost regional tourism organisations. Both organisations have been renamed for greater alignment.
Bluff Motupohue Master Plan - update
An active recreation precinct and the Bluff Motupohue Lookout concept received most support out of the 44 submissions on the draft Bluff Motupohue Master Plan. Great South is working with stakeholders to finalise the plan and prioritise actions.
Southland Youth Futures - Forestry Day
About 90 Southland rangatahi had their eyes opened to the diversity of careers related to forestry at a 'Be the Future of Forestry day in Winton last month. It was the second such event organised by Great South Southland Youth Futures, in partnership with Rayonier Matariki Forests and Future Foresters.
Business News and opportunities
Upskill for free
The business.govt.nz website is an excellent resource for everything from learning how to read financial statements, to building an employment agreement or managing your working capital. Check it out at the link below.
Business experts offer advice online
Businesses can access expert advice for free online at manaaki.io. Simply sign in to make a free account, ask your question in the box under “Need advice, ask for help” and the Manaaki experts will reply as soon as possible. You can also view questions that other businesses have asked along with the answers given by the experts.
Southland Promotion
Southland featured in Kia Ora Magazine
Southland is front and centre of the April issue of Air New Zealand's inflight Kia Ora magazine, with the cover image, a two-page spread on the Burt Munro Challenge and three pages about Invercargill's food and drink scene. It's great timing with the Trans Tasman bubble meaning Southland will catch the eye of Australian visitors too. You can read it at the link below.
Upcoming Business Events
Primary Sector: Set up your new employees for success
4 May, Invercargill, 5 May, Gore, 6 May, Balclutha, 13 May, Te Anau
These free workshops will equip you with the human resources knowledge to ensure your new employees becomes valued members of your team.
Carbon in Business - introductory workshop
24 May, Great South, Invercargill
This free workshop will help you gain a better understanding of carbon - what it is, why reduce it, and where in your business it comes from. You'll also find out about resources available to help you on your carbon reduction journey.
Tech Opportunities in 2021 - a Techweek event
24 May, Gore District Memorial RSA, Gore
Join us for lunch to hear an insightful and thought-provoking presentation from New Zealand futurist Ben Reid on emerging technologies and their relevance to our economy and society.
Emerging Opportunities workshop - Invercargill
Great South, Invercargill, 27 May
An interactive workshop addressing what impact the possible closure of Tiwai smelter could have on your business. Cost $450
Training Opportunities
Employee Wellbeing
16 April, Invercargill
Southland Chamber of Commerce
More information
Employment Law 101
4 May, Invercargill
Otago Southland Employers Association
More information
Finance for Non-Financial Managers
13 May, Invercargill
Otago Southland Employers Association
More information
Director Dialogue: It's called awareness, not being woke
9 June
Institute of Directors New Zealand
More information
Upcoming Events
