The latest from your Southland Regional Development Agency
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The Great South Update
June 2021
June marks the last month of our financial year 2020/21 and also the completion of our second successful year of operation as Great South.
As a Council Controlled Organisation (CCO) we have an annual process to complete a statement of intent (SOI) for our shareholders that outlines our strategies and activities for the year ahead. This will be completed during this month and will then be made publicly available.
I’m regularly reminded that our organisation, its activities and achievements are still not widely recognised or understood within Southland so we will be working on ways to better communicate these things in future. I’m conscious of doing this in a way that is valuable and useful for our stakeholders and community, rather than just to promote ourselves!
In the meantime please don’t hesitate to contact me or the team if there are any areas of interest to you that we may be working on or if you’d just like a more general understanding of our role and activity.
Nga mihi,
Graham Budd
Chief Executive
Latest News
Electric Vehicle Survey - WIN one of x3 $250 Vouchers
Did you know Southland has one of the lowest rates of electric (EV) and plug-in hybrid vehicles (PHEV) ownership per capita in New Zealand? Great South is keen to find out why that is for both business and personal use. Take part in the survey below and be in to win a $250 voucher!
ILT Kidzone on the move
Great South's flagship family event ILT Kidzone is on an adventure to a new venue this year. After 15 fun years at James Hargest College, the event will now be held at Southland Girls' High School. Tickets are on sale now.
Job Search 2021 - save the date!
Job Search returns to Gore and Invercargill from 29 June to 3 July. For anyone looking for a job, this is a great opportunity to view the latest local job listings, attend employment-related seminars and connect with employment support organisations.
Girls in Trades huge success
Great South's first Girls in Trades event was a huge success, with plans for it to become an annual event. More than 30 teenagers from schools across Southland had the opportunity to try their hand at everything from driving a forklift to changing a car tyre, and even virtual welding.
Regional Cruise Workshop
What is the future of cruise ships for Southland and Fiordland? Great South is hosting a workshop on 11 June, which is open to anyone to come and find out more.
Business News and opportunities
Understanding Foreign Exchange webinar
Demystify the world of foreign exchange and find out how to stop your business being at the mercy of its ups and downs. NZTE Money Matters runs regular expert panel webinars and registrations for this one on 29 June are now open.
Sustainable Business Awards - entries open
Is your business doing outstanding work in the area of sustainability? Entries for the Sustainable Business Awards are now open. The wide variety of Award categories include communications, food, restoring nature and social impact.
Maori Business Awards
Applications for the Maori Business Awards Otago & Southland are now open. The awards will be held in Invercargill on 2 July. Find out more and enter below.
Southland Promotion
Invercargill 'Neat Places' featured
Great South has commissioned the marketing platform Neat Places to create a pocket guide featuring Invercargill's 'neat places', with everything from eateries to unique stores included. Pick up a guide in the city or view the listings online at the link below. This is our second partnership with Neat Places. A pocket guide featuring businesses Southland-wide was created in 2019.
Upcoming Great South Business Events
Regional Cruise Workshop
11 June, Great South, Invercargill
Find out what the future of Cruise might look like for Southland and Fiordland at this free workshop, with NZ Cruise Association CEO Kevin O'Sullivan and local representatives.
The Aeroplane Game Business Process and Manufacturing Simulation
Great South, Invercargill, 22 June
A hands on course using Lean principles to improve processes and productivity in the workplace.
Cost $250+GSTpp.
The Beer Game Supply Chain Simulation
Great South, Invercargill, 28 July
Best suited to managers with responsibility for supply chains, this business process and supply chain simulation highlights issues that can arise and uses Lean principles to fix them. Cost $250
Carbon in Business workshops
Dates TBC
If you would like to take part in one of Great South's upcoming Carbon in Business workshops find out more at the link below.
Training Opportunities
Director Dialogue: It's called awareness, not being woke
9 June
Institute of Directors New Zealand
More information
Assertiveness Skills
16 June, Invercargill
Otago Southland Employers Association
More information
Budgeting Cashflow
17 June
Southland Chamber of Commerce
More information
Legacy Leadership
24 June
Southland Chamber of Commerce
More information
Mental Health in the Workplace
02 July
Otago Southland Employers Association
More information
Employee Wellbeing
29 July
Southland Chamber of Commerce
More information
Upcoming Events
