Watch the webinar with Kale Panoho, founder of K&J Growth and Managing Director of Rugby Bricks and Protocols.

It was a great session, full of practical insights into how Kiwi businesses can start using AI tools to improve marketing results—without needing big budgets or complex systems.

Mindz in Action, Otago’s largest and most future-focused business conference, is proud to announce Datacom as the official principal sponsor.

In addition to being the event’s principal sponsor, Datacom will take the stage with two speakers; 

Angela Millward; The evolution of user experience in the era of AI agents: From navigation to collaboration.

Richard Kenyon (HR stream): Embracing AI in our future: Navigating digital transformation with AI

Business South welcomes the recent announcements by Minister of Workplace Relations and Safety, Hon Brooke van Veldon outlining a series of reforms to New Zealand’s health and safety legislation. These proposed changes aim to improve clarity, reduce unnecessary compliance obligations, and provide more targeted guidance for businesses. 

Business South is excited to announce the expansion of its Young Enterprise Scheme (YES) programme to Queenstown, alongside its long-standing Dunedin programme for the 2025 school year.

YES, offers high school students the chance to develop their own business ventures, providing them with valuable skills and knowledge that will set them up for future success in the business world.

Precious Collaborative, a sustainable fashion start-up in New Zealand, creates high-end clothing using local materials and designers while also making ethical fashion more accessible through its social enterprise, Precious Coats.

Founder Claire O'Connell sought support from the Otago Regional Business Partner Network (ORBP), which connected her with business mentors, training programs, and funding opportunities. ORBP's guidance has been instrumental in helping Claire navigate marketing, sustainability, and business growth, providing her with valuable resources to establish and expand her brand. 

BusinessNZ is backing calls for a more efficient regulatory approval process for agricultural and horticultural products. Chief Executive Katherine Rich highlights the challenges businesses face due to slow and costly approvals, often taking years - even for products used safely overseas. BusinessNZ supports the Ministry for Regulations review of the approval process and anticipates further updates once findings are presented to Cabinet.

Collective bargaining settlements for 2024-25 reflect easing inflationary pressures but remain influenced by rising wages, migrant worker reforms and geopolitical factors. While challenges persist, signs of economic recovery and stabilising business confidence indicate signs of potential recovery in the new year.

Business South welcomes the Government’s announcement of a refreshed ministerial team, which signals a renewed focus on economic growth, regional opportunities and needed execution of policy. 

These changes are an encouraging step forward as our region looks to address key challenges and unlock its full potential.