The latest from your Southland Regional Development Agency
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The Great South Update
May 2021
Last week we were very pleased to co-host, along with the Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Air New Zealand during their visit to Invercargill. We took the opportunity to present an overview of our region and some of the challenges and opportunities ahead.
The Air NZ chair, Dame Therese Walsh, particularly noted how impressed the Board were with our regional strategies, forward thinking and future focus. She commented that this was not something they had seen from other regions, so we welcomed this endorsement and independent perspective.
Balancing short term activities and regional needs (such as skilled labour shortages) with long-term thinking (such as climate change impacts) reflects the range of work that Great South undertakes.
We also took the opportunity to acknowledge Air New Zealand’s partnership with our region and the success of the AKL jet service in particular. We’ll continue to lobby for more capacity and frequency of services to support both leisure and business travel needs.
Nga mihi,
Graham Budd
Chief Executive
Latest News
New CEO announced
New Zealand Functional Foods (NZFF) has appointed Justin Riley as its CEO. Originally from Invercargill, Justin had eighteen years with well-known syrups and condiments business Barker's of Geraldine. Great South is a major shareholder in NZFF, which will be progressing an oat milk processing plant at Makarewa.
Fiordland - Dark Sky Park opportunity
Fiordland’s brilliant night sky could soon be as much an attraction to domestic and international visitors as its stunning daytime scenery, as it looks to become an accredited Dark Sky Park.
$287,500 boost to events across Southland
This month's Tussock Country Music Festival and next month's Men's Muster Te Anau are among the 11 events that were recipients of the government's Regional Events Fund, administered by Great South. Expressions of interest for the next funding round are being taken now.
Techweek
Great South is coordinating Southland events for Techweek2021 (22 - 30 May), which this year includes a talk by leading expert in emerging technologies Ben Reid. View the Southland Techweek events and the full nationwide programme at the link below.
New Invercargill City Centre Coordinator
Introducing Great South's new City Centre Coordinator Kirsten Harper. Previously working at Environment Southland, in her new role, Kirsten is the main liaison between the Council, the City Centre Governance Group, stakeholders and retailers.
Business News and opportunities
Be a Great Employer Leadership Programme - Primary Sector
Great South and the Southern Primary Sector Workforce Action Group are running a team leadership programme for employers from June to November 2021. Registrations close 13 May.
Waste Minimisation Fund
Expressions are being taken for Te Pūtea Whakamauru Para - the Waste Minimisation Fund, which supports projects that increase the reuse, recovery and recycling of materials. The fund invests in a wide-range of projects from multi-million-dollar infrastructure investments to smaller hapū or community-centred projects.
Have you checked out MANAAKI yet?
Businesses can access expert advice online free of charge 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
Great South staff attended the TRENZ Hui 2021 in Ōtautahi Christchurch this week, along with tourism industry representatives from around New Zealand. The event would normally be an opportunity to sell the region internationally, but in the wake of Covid, it was an opportunity to hear the latest from sector leaders and to discuss challenges.
Upcoming Business Events
Primary Sector: Set up your new employees for success
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
A thought-provoking presentation from New Zealand futurist Ben Reid on emerging technologies and their relevance to our economy and society, over lunch.
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
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
Budgeting Cashflow
17 June
Southland Chamber of Commerce
More information
Assertiveness Skills
16 June, Invercargill
Otago Southland Employers Association
More information
Upcoming Events
