News

Exclusive Icehouse Training Now Available

We are proud to bring Icehouse training to Otago, available exclusively through Business South. Icehouse is one of Aotearoa's most prestigious business development organisations, known for empowering New Zealand businesses through world-class training and their commitment to creating a high-performing New Zealand economy where businesses thrive. 

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.

Webinar: using AI to maximise marketing

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.

Datacom announced as principal sponsor for Mindz in Action 2025

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

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. 

Quarterly Survey Results | February 2025

Business South Expands YES Programme to Queenstown and Wanaka

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.

Helping Precious Collaborative Grow a Sustainable Fashion Business

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. 

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.

Quarterly Survey Results | November 2024

The latest Quarterly Business Survey shows a continued improvement in confidence among Southern businesses, although there are businesses trying to work through some challenging times.

Thank you to our Otago and Southland businesses for stepping up and supporting this survey.  We had a great mix across business size, sectors and geographical spread.  The insights will be used in our advocacy work and at both central and local government levels. 

Read the Results here.