The latest from your Southland Regional Development Agency
No images? Click here
Videocopter
The Great South Update
June 2022
Things are starting to feel different, spring-like even as we head into winter. Borders are opening, workshops and events are being held in person - we can communicate in our usual ways again. Thank goodness!
Exciting news is that our very successful Te Anau Time campaign received international recognition at the D&AD Awards. I know the team is happy to be able to be out and about selling our beautiful region.
The plans Calder Stewart has for an industrial-zoned development at Awarua is also exciting news for our region. A project of this scale speaks volumes to the exciting future Southland has.
We are pleased to have received more than 10 applications for the Government Waihopai Invercargill Decarbonisation Contestable Fund. Having businesses convert to low emission heating systems will make a big difference to Southland's overall carbon emissions. We will be advocating for more of Southland to benefit, and in this regard, the Government’s Emissions Reduction Plan is a positive step.
Our Carbon in Business Workshop series begins again next week, and is a good way for businesses to get to grips with understanding emissions and setting reduction targets. Something we're working on here at Great South too.
This month we have two long weekends, including our first ever Matariki public holiday. Enjoy your time with family and friends and maybe get up early for a best view of the whetu stars.
Nga mihi,
Ian Collier
Chairman
Latest News
Te Anau Time campaign wins international award
Our Te Anau Time Campaign, has been recognised on the international stage with a wood pencil award at the D&AD Awards! Great South engaged Strategy Creative for the campaign, that got the whole country talking about Te Anau with creative thinking and making the most of the move to daylight saving, to maximising a limited budget.
Magical winter wonderland in store for next school holidays
Winter Wonderland is the theme for this year's ILT Kidzone Festival, returning to Southland Girls' High School 13 - 18 July. Presented by Great South, the event will feature winter-themed activities including a snow machine and opportunity to make mittens. Tickets for the event are now on sale.
Digital Facilitation Funding available
A new fund is available for industry associations, organisations, business networks and community groups who can support small businesses with digitalisation. The Digital Facilitation Scheme is being administered by Great South and is to help small businesses access the Government's Digital Boost scheme. Digital Boost helps businesses with their online presence, knowledge, skills and confidence to adopt digital tools in their business models. More information and application details at the link below.
Selling Southland to the world
Some of New Zealand's top inbound tourism operators visited Southland and Fiordland in May, hosted by Great South and Distinction Hotels. Inbound operators put together holiday itineraries that are then sold to international markets like Australia, North America and Europe. Great South staff also attended the Regional Tourism NZ trade conference in Auckland this week and attended the Tourism New Zealand Regional Showcase in Sydney in May.
Business Growth Advisor role
We are looking for a superstar to join our business services team and support Southland businesses to grow. If you're business savvy and have skills and knowledge to share we'd love to hear from you. Applications close 10 June. Details at the button below.
Business News and opportunities
Tourism business funding - apply now!
If you have a tourism business within the Southland District Council rating area, you could be eligible for any of three funds as part of the Government's Tourism Communities: Support, Recover and Re-set Plan. This includes the Kickstart fund with $10,000 to $50,000 available per business to get ready for the return of international travellers. Business Advisory Support and Advice Implementation grants are also available. Find out more and apply online below.
Great South Events
Leveraging Opportunities in South East Asia
Wednesday 8 June, Invercargill
A panel discussion for local business owners and executives to learn more about opportunities in Southeast Asia - export, investment, climate change, technology and talent attraction, brought you by Great South and the Southeast Asia Centre of Asia Pacific Excellence.
Carbon in Business Workshop series - register today!
8, 15 and 29 June, Great South, Invercargill
Support for your business on its low emission journey. Attend all three workshops in the series and come away with a customised reduction plan and clear actions for your business. These workshops are free to attend.
Agritourism workshops
30 June - Invercargill, 1 July - Gore, 5 July - Te Anau
Learn about opportunities in Agritourism! This free day-long workshop will cover product development and marketing of an agritourism business with tourism marketing expert Marijke Dunselman, and operator support, including working with trade and regional collaboration. Hear from an existing Agritourism business (either Welcome Rock or Real Country) about their agritourism journey, plus from Great South staff. Registrations essential. For more information email us below.
Digital in North Asia
Date TBC
Want to understand the emerging digital landscape in North Asia? This workshop, hosted by Great South with support from North Asia Centre of Pacific Excellence (CAPE), is aimed at export and tourism businesses either with existing relationships in North Asia (China, Japan and Korea) or those actively considering entering these markets.
Training Opportunities
Time and self management
7 July
Southland Business Chamber
More information
Courageous Conversations
8 July
Southland Business Chamber
More information
Essentials of Leadership
16 August
Southland Business Chamber
More information
Health and Safety Representative Training (Stage 1)
1 - 2 August
Business South
More information
Upcoming Events
ILT Kidzone
13 - 18 July, Invercargill
Feast Matariki
24 June, Te Rau Aroha Marae, Bluff
MLT Hokonui Fashion Design Awards
29 - 30 July, Gore
Southland Girls High School students engaged in a Women in Engineering workshop organised as part of Techweek 2022, coordinated by Great South.
