Business Advocacy
Speaking Up for Southern Business
Your business sees things we can't see. The compliance cost that eats a Friday afternoon, the rule that makes no sense on the ground, the policy that would have looked different with a business like yours in the room.
That's exactly the insight we need. Business South turns what you tell us, in a survey, in an Accelerator session, in five minutes at an event, into a clear, constructive case for change. The more of you who speak up, the stronger that case becomes.
That insight is what shapes the conversations we have with decision makers on your behalf.
Representing you
A Seat at the Table
When we sit down with the Prime Minister, Ministers, MPs and government officials, we're there with your numbers, your examples and your words, gathered through our Accelerator programme, Quarterly Business Surveys and events.
That's what gives us a seat at the table – a real business voice. The more you tell us, the stronger that voice becomes.
Part of a Wider Community
Strength in Numbers
You're not just backed by Business South. We're part of the BusinessNZ Network, alongside EMA, Business Central, BusinessNZ itself and the New Zealand Chamber of Commerce network, thousands of businesses across every region and sector in New Zealand. That means your voice doesn't stop at the regional boundary, it reaches Wellington too.
That's the kind of backing that gets results, big enough to be heard, but still grounded in what's actually happening for businesses like yours. Tell us what's affecting you, and this network turns it into a stronger voice for business.
Quarterly Business Survey
Every Quarterly Business Survey takes a few minutes to flag what's really going on, rising costs, staffing gaps, a rule that isn't working, and we take it straight to local and central government, the same insight that's already shaped wins like new seasonal visas and fairer procurement rules, and informed our annual plan submissions
Compliance Costs and Red Tape
Backing the Southern Economy
Workforce, Employment and Immigration
Council Decisions That Affect You
Turning Feedback Into Action
Policy Changes, Explained
Annual Plan submission - Queenstown Lakes District Council
Business South has lodged a formal submission on the Queenstown Lakes District Council Draft Annual Plan 2026–2027. The submission draws on our Quarterly Business Survey and reflects the views of businesses of all sizes across the district.
Annual Plan submission - Waitaki District Council
Business South has made a formal submission to the Waitaki District Council on its proposed Annual Plan 2026/27, which puts forward rates increases of between 19% and 45% to address a $14 million structural deficit.
Our submission represents the views of Waitaki business members and draws on findings from our February 2026 Quarterly Business Survey and a targeted pulse-check survey on rates impacts conducted ahead of the consultation.
Annual Plan submission - Clutha District Council
The Clutha District's proposed average rates increase of 20.58% in 2026/27, building on 16.67% in 2025/26, represents a cumulative increase of approximately 40% across two years. Business South urges Council to balance necessary cost recovery with measures that protect business confidence and support economic growth.
ExportNZ update - 15% US tariff rate
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.
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.
Enterprise Partners
Pivotal Partners
