$23,000+ raised for Ukraine

We're proud of our GM Business Services Development Ben Lewis who walked three of Southland's Great Walks - the Rakiura Track, the Humpridge and the Kepler -  all within five days. That's 150km! His original goal was to walk all five great walks within eight days to raise funds for humanitarian aid in the Ukraine but unfortunately he tested positive for Covid along the way. He has already raised $23,000 and donations can still be made at the link below. 

Southland Techweek 2022

Great South is coordinating Southland Techweek this month, and has organised events along with Coin South and Southland Business Chamber. Activities include Women in Engineering Network workshops in schools, opportunities for children and adults to build robots with Kiwibots and a talk about the new Datagrid data centre. More details at the link below.

Wellbeing focus of new role

Te Anau local Anna Star has joined Great South's Fiordland office in a new Community Wellbeing Co-ordinator role, created in partnership with Te Hau Toka Southern Lakes Wellbeing Group. As well as connecting and sharing information about mental health services, her connection to Great South will help with knowledge about  funding available as well as other business resources.

Share work experience and inspire Southland youth

Our Southland Youth Futures team is looking for employees from all industries to share their workplace experiences with local high school students. If you have a team member who is confident, relatable, and available to connect with young people, please get in touch. The time commitment is one to two hours and it’s a relaxed and fun way for young staff to gain confidence and an opportunity for professional development. For more information please email us below.

Fiordland Regional Event Fund: round three results

A climbing invitational and a ukulele festival are two new events to be held in Te Anau that have benefitted from the third round of the Fiordland Regional Event Fund, administered by Great South. The fund was established by the Government as part of its post COVID-19 Tourism Recovery package. $90,000 remains in the fund and a further round of funding will close on 26 August 2022. 

Southland Monopoly pre-order now!

The Great South visual library is used by a variety of media and businesses for promotional purposes. Recently, images from the digital library were used by the Southland Business Chamber to create a special Southland edition of Monopoly. Orders for the limited edition board game are being taken now, for delivery in November. A great Christmas idea!

Decarbonisation fund - closing soon!

Is your business is using LPG, coal or diesel for heating? The Government Waihōpai / Invercargill Decarbonisation Contestable Fund could help your business transition to low emission energy sources. Applications close 20 May 2022. Check eligibility criteria and apply now at the link below.

Tourism business funding - apply now!

If you have a tourism business within the Southland District Council rating area, you could be eligible for any of three funds as part of the Government's Tourism Communities: Support, Recover and Re-set Plan. This includes the Kickstart fund with $10,000 to $50,000 available per business to get ready for the return of international travellers. Business Advisory Support and  Advice Implementation grants are also available. Find out more and apply online below.