All the ingredients to be a foodie haven

Southland is well known for cheese rolls and Bluff oysters, but there is a whole lot more to its food story than that. The Southland Murihiku Food Tourism Strategy we've been sharing around the region this week, shows Southland has the potential to become a food travel destination. 

Southland to host NZ tourism leaders

Great South completed a successful bid, that will see Southland host up to 100 regional tourism professionals in 2022. They will be taking part in the RTNZ Professional Development Programme. The event will be one of the first business events held at the Langlands Hotel opening in Invercargill next year. 

Great South Covid-19 vaccine policy

In light of the Government's new traffic light system, Great South has adopted a 'vaccine pass required' position. That means all visitors to Great South offices or events will need to be fully vaccinated and show their vaccine pass, unless they have an exemption from the Ministry of Health or are not eligible to be vaccinated against COVID-19 in New Zealand.

Motupōhue tourism plan underway

Exciting times are ahead for Bluff, with many of the projects in the Bluff Motupōhue 2020 Tourism Master Plan underway. An implementation plan completed by Great South is now available and will be put before the Bluff Community Board this month. 

Southland population increase: housing shortfall

A new housing report completed by Great South shows that without action,  Southland could have a shortfall of more than 3400 houses by 2025 as its population increases. It also highlights the need for a significant increase in social emergency housing in the region. 

Fiordland business and household survey - closing soon!

If you live in and/or have a business in Fiordland, it would be appreciated if you could complete our business and household survey/s. Information received will help Great South advise central government on how it can best support the community in the wake of the global pandemic. The surveys are now live and can be found at the link below. 

Do you have a tourism business?

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.