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
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.
Dunedin Central City Safety Advisory Group - Update 26 August
Mike Collins (CEO at Business South) is part of the Central City Safety Advisory Group to help advocate for a safe city centre. The group has representatives from the DCC, Police, Otago Regional Council, the Principals Association, Business South, mana whenua, Pacific Trust Otago and youth representatives.
We will be posting regular updates on what is being discussed in this group
August 2024 Quarterly Southern Business Survey
Southern business confidence has picked up this quarter, coupled with the recent fall in interest rates and anticipated improvements in individual financial performance and eased labour market constraints.
Read the latest findings from the Quarterly Southern Business Survey.
Uber loses appeal - court rules drivers are employees, not contractors
The Court of Appeal is backing four Uber drivers in their fight to be treated as employees, rather than contractors.
The court dismissed Uber’s appeal of a 2022 Employment Court decision that also ruled in favour of the drivers.
Submission on Draft GPS on Land Transport 2024
Business South welcomes the opportunity to submit on the draft Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024.
Saving our Standards
The BusinessNZ Network alongside a number of building and construction industry associations have achieved a win, securing the future of critical Standards needed by NZ industry.
May 2024 - Quarterly Business Survey Results
The latest findings from the Quarterly Southern Business Survey are in.
Major health and safety consultation begins
BusinessNZ is supportive of the consultation on work health and safety announced by the Minister for Workplace Relations and Safety.
Treasury Seminar - Productivity in a Changing World
This seminar looked at the positive and negative influences on productivity growth, looking at evidence from around the world
Enterprise Partners
Pivotal Partners
