The latest from your Southland Regional Development Agency
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The Great South Update
September 2022
This is my final opportunity to write the introduction to our newsletter before I return to my role as Great South Chair and we welcome Chami Abeysinghe as our new Chief Executive.
While it was through sad and unexpected circumstances that I came to be in this role, I’ve thoroughly enjoyed having this opportunity to work directly with our team, spend more time engaging directly with our stakeholders and getting some first hand insights of the various aspects of the business. It has been invaluable from my perspective. We are all looking forward to inducting and introducing Chami over the coming weeks and months.
A recent milestone I was particularly pleased to have been a part of was the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Murihiku's four rūnaka - Hokonui, Waihōpai, Awarua and Ōraka-Aparima. The relationships that underpin this partnership are pivotal to our success as a Regional Development Agency as we work together on many projects of benefit to the region.
One key project has hit a milestone with the opening of the The Langlands Hotel and stage one of the inner city redevelopment. This exciting project will be the focus of nationwide attention next week as we host 100 Regional Tourism Organisation professionals in Invercargill. We look forward to showcasing the numerous attractions of our incredible region.
Ngā mihi,
Ian Collier
Chairman
Latest News
Tourism Export Council conference 2024
The tourism Export Council of New Zealand is holding its 2024 annual conference in Southland for the first time. It's a great opportunity to showcase our region and our newest attractions to the people who have significant influence on our domestic and international visitors.
Great South and Rūnaka - MOU signed
A Memorandum of Understanding between Great South and all four papatipu rūnaka in Murihiku (Hokonui, Waihopai, Awarua and Oraka-Aparima) was signed last month. Following on from prior collaboration on projects such as the Bluff Motupōhue 2020 Tourism Master Plan, this significant milestone recognises the commitment to enduring collaboration and partnership in Murihiku.
Summer of Work launches 12 September
If you know of any high school or tertiary students looking for work this summer, be sure to let them know about Summer of Work. Great South Southland Youth Futures' highly successful initiative returns this year - this time with the option for students to take part online or in person on Tuesday 27 September. Find out more at the button below.
Dark Sky Events - Fiordland
Great South is applying to the International Dark Sky Association for Fiordland National Park to become an accredited Dark Sky Park. This month there will be opportunity for the Fiordland community to find out more about what that means as well as a seminar and one-on-one sessions for anyone interested to find out more about opportunities in dark sky tourism.
Tourism experts to learn from Southland
About 100 professionals from regional tourism organisations throughout New Zealand will be in Murihiku Southland this month as part of Te Ūnga Mai, a professional development programme aimed to develop and build capability in the field of destination management. Murihiku was one of the first regions in New Zealand to develop a destination management strategy and Great South staff will share insights from this plan and its implementation with those in attendance.
Business News and opportunities
Whether you employ 5 or 50 people, sell coffee or cars, we want to hear from you!
Southland Business Chamber, Great South, Regional Skills Leadership Group and Beyond 2025 Southland want to know about the opportunities and challenges Murihiku Southland employers are facing in attracting and retaining employees.
The information we receive will help make sure we develop and advocate for the most appropriate support for our businesses.
Fill in the survey below and you could win a morning tea shout for your team!
Great South's 12-week Murihiku Sustainable Tourism Pilot Programme is currently underway. The programme covers cultural, social and economic as well as environmental sustainability. At a workshop this month participants calculated their carbon footprint to help identify areas where they could reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
We aim to replicate this programme in 2023. If you would like to take part in a future intake please email us at the button below.
Great South Events
Destination Strategy review - workshop 3
Tuesday 20 September, Great South, 12pm - 2pm
Workshops are being held over the next few months to review the Southland Murihiku Destination Strateg (PDF) This workshop will look at the sustainability of marketing our destination in terms of people and the natural environment, as well as meeting net zero emission goals. To find out about the remaining workshops and how to take part, click on the button below.
Dark Sky Tourism Opportunities
Tuesday 27 September, Te Anau, 7pm - 9pm
Find out more about night sky tourism opportunities and how to go about developing a night sky tourism product. The Great South team will be joined by dark sky experts Nalayini and Gareth Davies, Rakiura operators Twinkle Dark Sky Tours, Department of Conservation and off-the-grid accommodation developers PurePods.
Training Opportunities
Legacy Leadership
15 September
Invercargill
More information
Health and Safety Representative Training (stage 1)
10 October
Invercargill
More information
Health and Safety for Managers
12 October
Invercargill
More information
John Mental Health First Aid Course
19 October
St John Rooms, Invercargill
More information
Upcoming Events
Southland's ILT Dart Masters
7 - 8 October, Invercargill
Te Anau Ukulele Festival
7 - 9 October, Te Anau
Schick 3x3 Cup
12 - 15 October, Invercargill
Stabicraft Te Anau Manapouri Fishing Classic
21 - 23 October, Te Anau
