From 1 April 2026, New Zealand’s minimum wage has increased by 2% to $23.95 per hour.

The increase was signalled in December 2025, providing businesses with advance notice to plan for the change. It has been described as a moderate adjustment, intended to balance income growth with business sustainability.

This comes at a time when many businesses are managing a range of cost and operational pressures, including fuel volatility, supply chain disruption, and broader global economic conditions.

Great news for our community! We’re proud to share that we’ve once again received funding from the Otago Community Trust. This backing allows us to keep investing in the capability of organisations across our region; making it easier to access the tools, knowledge, and confidence needed to grow and adapt.

The funding allows us to offer 50% off Business South training for our not-for-profit community.

he Government has unveiled a new National Fuel Plan in response to ongoing global fuel supply uncertainty, driven in part by geopolitical tensions overseas.

While there is no immediate change to fuel access in New Zealand, the plan provides a structured framework outlining how the country would respond if supply disruptions escalate.

For businesses across Otago and Southland, understanding this plan is important. Not because action is required now, but because it signals how future fuel availability could be managed.

Business South says a new package of reform bills introduced to Parliament could mark a meaningful shift in the regulatory environment for New Zealand businesses.

The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill, Planning and Natural Environment Bills, and Employment Leave Bill have recently been introduced, with the Government signalling a focus on simplifying regulation, improving clarity, and reducing compliance complexity across several areas that directly affect businesses.

Key Points for NZ Exporters:

• The Trump Administration has announced a new 15% tariff under Section 122 of the US Trade Act 1974, which is expected to apply to the majority of New Zealand goods exported to the United States.
• This 15% rate replaces the previous IEEPA “reciprocal tariff” and is the same headline rate New Zealand exporters were facing prior to the Supreme Court ruling.
• and more

Congratulations to the Otago Regional Final’s Winner Natures Prime (St Hilda’s) and runner up Rhythm (OGHS)!

Business South celebrated the next generation of Otago entrepreneurs today at the Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) Regional Finals, held at the University of Otago’s Business School.

The event marks the culmination of months of dedication and creativity from secondary school students across the region. This year’s programme involved 338 students from 14 schools throughout Otago, guided by their teachers, mentors, and the Business South YES team.

The traditional copper network that has long carried our phone and internet services is being progressively retired.

In areas where fibre is available – mostly urban and semi-urban locations – this change is happening sooner rather than later. Chorus has confirmed that all copper services in fibre areas will be fully withdrawn by mid-2026.

Business South today announced a new collaboration with Xero to bring the Know Your Numbers programme to its members - an initiative designed to strengthen financial literacy among small business owners and non-profits across Aotearoa New Zealand.  

Know Your Numbers is a free programme that provides practical tools and support to help small businesses build confidence in managing their finances. It’s especially valuable for those who may not have access to traditional networks or resources to access support.  

Business South, Business Mentors NZ, and Central Otago’s Welcoming Communities have joined forces to provide support to newcomers in the business world for those up and comers who are new to the Central Otago district.

“Moving to a new district, or halfway across the globe, is overwhelming at the best of times – let alone understanding an unfamiliar professional landscape,” Central Otago District Council Welcoming Communities Officer Heather Harries, said. “A business mentor can provide guidance, help build confidence and capability, provide industry knowledge, fresh perspectives, and a sounding board for new ideas.”

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order for new tariff rates on a wide swathe of US trading partners to go into effect in seven days (8 August 2025). The new tariff rate for New Zealand - 15% - is an increase from the “baseline” 10% that Trump announced during his “Liberation Day” event on April 2.