The latest from your Southland Regional Development Agency
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The Great South Update
August 2021
A number of people have been asking me recently about our New Zealand Functional Foods (NZFF) ‘Oat milk Plant’ project so I thought I would just give a quick status update on this.
Some readers will be aware of this proposal being considered for a number of years and there was also some media coverage earlier in the year after K1W1 invested in the opportunity as a shareholder with Great South to capitalise NZFF for the start-up phase of the business.
The Board of NZFF were then delighted to appoint Justin Riley as CEO and we have since worked to prepare the business to be investor ready and secure the full investment to build the plant here in Southland. Working with our investment advisors, information will be available for wholesale investors at the beginning of September. To clarify, this won’t be a public offer.
We hope to have investment secured by the end of 2021 and are preparing to be ready to start construction of the plant in early 2022 with production starting in late 2022.
We believe there is a significant opportunity as the market for plant based beverages continues to grow and are excited by the prospect of bringing the full vision for this project to fruition. We look forward to sharing more news on this project when we can.
Nga mihi,
Graham Budd
Chief Executive
Latest News
Milford Opportunities Masterplan Launched
The Milford Opportunities Project Masterplan was launched in Te Anau last week, with bold plans that will be transformational for the whole region. Watch the video and read more below.
Southland eyed up for hydrogen production
Momentum is building as Southland is eyed up by multinational companies as a potential centre for hydrogen production. Read more in an Otago Daily Times interview with our GM Strategic Projects Steve Canny.
Event funding - REF round two open
Applications for round two of the Southland and Fiordland Regional Event Funds are now open. A total of $472.500 remains available across the two pools. The funding, administered by Great South, is part of the Government’s post COVID-19 Tourism Recovery package and is targeted at events that attract overnight visitation to the region.
ILT Kidzone huge success
This year's ILT Kidzone at Southland Girls' High School was a resounding success, with four out of the six days sold out and just over 10,000 tickets sold in total. The event was a welcome return after the 2020 event had to be cancelled due to Covid.
Infrastructure funding secured for Southland District
Great South supported Southland District Council with successful applications to the Tourism Infrastructure Fund worth $3.74 million. This will enable upgrades to some key infrastructure services for both visitors and locals including the viewing platform at Observation Rock, Stewart Island; Ulva Island Wharf, plus boat ramps and facilities in Te Anau and Manapouri.
'Bright star' recognised for dark sky work
Work on dark sky opportunities for Southland by Great South Destination Development Manager Amie Young was recognised with a Dark Sky Project Bright Star Award at the Royal Astronomical Society of NZ’s annual conference in Wellington this month.
Business News and opportunities
Tourism Communities: Support, Recovery and Re-set Plan
Great South is administering the Tourism Communities: Support Recovery and Re-Set Plan, which includes support and funding for Fiordland and Southland businesses impacted by Covid. If you want to check whether your business meets the criteria, please visit our website at the button below.
Need summer jobs filled?
The inaugural Summer of Work expo, connecting employers with their future workforce, will be held on Thursday 23 September. The event is part of Great South's Southland Youth Futures programme. If your business has summer job vacancies that are suitable for youth and you want to find out more, contact the team at the button below.
Callaghan R&D Experience Grants - applications open
Employ a tertiary student to undertake R&D fulltime this Summer and you could have it fully funded by Callaghan Innovation, via its R&D Experience Grants. Applications close 30 September.
Southland Promotion
Did you know?
Great South has an image library with awesome images of Southland - like this one by Jeremy Pierce - that anyone can use to promote the region. Check out more images at the link below.
Upcoming Great South Events
Into the Future - FREE lunchtime session with Kevin Biggar
Kelvin Hotel, Invercargill, 10 August
Former management consultant and Transatlantic rower Kevin Biggar talks about coping with change and how to break personal limits to take on tough challenges.
Wanting to Innovate? Hear from the experts, Callaghan Innovation
Great South, Invercargill, 12 August
Hear directly from the experts in innovation, Callaghan Innovation; how they can help your business innovate with funding, grants, and helping to solve technical challenges.
Exploring local communication challenges - Steph Holloway
18 August
An interactive workshop on communication across cultures. Get tips on the way Kiwis communicate and learn how to speak your mind clearly and with respect.
Body language across cultures - Steph Holloway
20 August
Gain an understanding of common body language gestures and learn how you can help prevent cross-cultural misunderstanding.
Summer of Work - Save the date
23 September
Summer of Work will connect employers with students looking for work this Summer. If you would like to know more email our Southland Youth Futures team.
Carbon in Business - introductory workshop
28 September
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.
Training Opportunities
Restructuring your business taking into account the human factor
13 August
Otago Southland Employers Association
More information
Performance Management
19 August
Southland Business Chamber
More information
Legacy Leadership
9 September
Southland Business Camber
More information
Train the Trainer
9 September
Otago Southland Employers Association
More information
Upcoming Events
