Business Advocacy
We are your voice
We are proud to be the voice of over 1,300 businesses in the south and to represent business interests in government, locally and nationally.
We are here for businesses to share your insights (what keeps you awake at night) so we can advocate for you to minimise barriers, ideally before they arise.
By activating your voice Business South advocates your business issues with decision-makers in local and central government.
Representing you
We give you a seat at the table.
Our strength lies in our regular engagement with the Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs, Government officials and community groups.
We represent the views of the southern business community, advocating to decisionmakers at all levels and ensuring southern interests are heard throughout the policy-making process.
Part of a Wider Community
BusinessNZ Network
The BusinessNZ Network including BusinessNZ, EMA, Business Central, Business Canterbury and Business South, represents and provides services to thousands of businesses, small and large, throughout New Zealand. The BusinessNZ network’s unique strength lies in our capability to engage with government officials, community groups, MPs and Ministers on a daily basis, ensuring business interests are represented throughout the policy making process.
Pictured Front L to R: Mike Collins (Chief Executive, Business South), Leeann Watson (Chief Executive, Business Cantebury), Katherine Rich (Chief Executive, BusinessNZ)
Back L to R: Grant Walker (Vice Chair, Business Cantebury), Adele Rose (Deputy Chair, Business Central), Neil Finn-House (Board Member, Business South), Andrew Hunt (Board Member, EMA), John Fraser-Mackenzie (Chief Executive, EMA)
Central Government compliance and regulations
Regional Economic Development
Workforce and Industrial Relations & Immigration
Local Government compliance and regulations
Sustainability and Environment
Feedback via survey's and events
Submissions on council and government plans
Staying up to date on the latest government or council announcements
The Quarterly Business Surveys are a great indicator of what is happening in the region, and our team are using this information to enact positive change at a local and national government level.
Part of a Network
We are a united voice.
Business South is part of the Business New Zealand and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce networks – the two leading champions for business at a national level.
Together, we are committed to promoting local, regional and national success through free enterprise and sustainable growth, and fostering homegrown innovation for global impact.
Quarterly Survey Results | May 2025
Business confidence in the south continues to increase according to Business South’s latest quarterly business survey, a sign of regional resilience and momentum. 81% believe Otago and Southland is heading in the right direction.
Ten Years On: Young energy leaders raise the profile
New Zealand’s brightest young energy professionals are focused on raising their collective voice and bringing the energy sector closer together.
After a decade of fostering connection and careers within the energy sector, the Young Energy Professionals Network (YEPN) welcomes two new co-Chairs, Beca’s Industrial Energy Lead Andrew Wallace and Aurecon’s Lead Energy Consultant Danielle Manners.
Central Otago Santana Minerals BA5
At the latest BA5 Networking event in Central Otago, hosted by Santana Minerals, over 120 businesses attended the event to discuss the proposed fast-track mining operation. It was an informative and respectful discussion, with diverse business sectors sharing their views.
Response - ODT article Zero Carbon Alliance
You may have seen an article in the Otago Daily Times, regarding Business South’s position on the Zero Carbon Alliance. We want to take this opportunity to clarify our position and reaffirm our strong support for the sustainability journey many businesses across our region are already on.
Business South fully supports the goal of achieving a zero-carbon future and recognises the outstanding progress many businesses are making in sustainability and emissions reduction. We are proud to support and champion our members in these efforts.
New Health and Safety changes for Otago and Southland businesses
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.
Clear the Queue to Boost Innovation and Primary Sector
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 2024-2025
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 Renewed Focus on Economic Growth and Regional Development
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.
New Zealand concludes trade agreement with the UAE
New Zealand and the UAE have concluded negotiations on a trade agreement following the launch of negotiations on May 7th of this year. The agreement will unlock economic opportunities for Kiwi exporters and create stronger supply chains with one of our most important trading partners in the Gulf region.
Greater clarity around contractors
Contracting is the preferred method of working for many New Zealanders, says EMA Head of Advocacy Alan McDonald.
"Whether people are operating in the gig economy or transitioning between jobs, contracting can offer flexibility, variety, better pay, opportunities at upskilling and work experience," says McDonald.
Have Your Say
Enterprise Partners
Pivotal Partners
