News
Contribute to valuable business data gathering
We’re encouraging more Business South members to take part in regular Business New Zealand surveys that take the pulse of New Zealand business at both regional and national levels.
The information obtained from the surveys is regularly reported and used by various groups in New Zealand, including news commentators, economists, academic institutions and Government agencies.
The more Southern businesses that take part, the more robust, reliable and useful the data for our region.
These monthly surveys are web-based and only take about three minutes to complete.
Performance of Manufacturing Index (BNZ BusinessNZ PMI)
This is the timeliest and most publicly-utilised pulse of New Zealand’s manufacturing community.
The survey is specifically targeted at the manufacturing sector. It provides an early indicator of activity levels, and allows us to compare our performance with that of other countries.
Analysis is conducted on changes in production, new orders, employment, finished stocks and deliveries.
Its results are part of the JPMorgan Global PMI, which collects monthly manufacturing data from 33 countries, making up an estimated 90% of global manufacturing output.
Performance of Services Index (BNZ BusinessNZ PSI)
This provides a regular and up-to-date assessment of how the New Zealand services sector is performing in.
This survey is specifically targeted at the various elements of the services sector and provides an early indicator of activity levels, along with a way of comparing ourselves with other countries.
Analysis is conducted on the changes in activity/sales, new orders/business, employment, stocks/inventories and supplier deliveries.
Its results are part of the JPMorgan Global PSI, which collects monthly services data from 33 countries, making up an estimated 78% of global GDP.
If you’d like to receive the monthly PMI or PSI surveys, please contact Ann-Marie McKay
Wānaka Continues to Buck the National Property Trend
The latest QV House Price Index shows residential property values nationally fell by 1.9% over the three months to the end of August, the largest quarterly decline in two years. Over the same period, values in the Queenstown Lakes District rose 1%, making it one of the only areas in the country to record growth.
QBS Survey Results - August 2026
Regional business confidence has stabilised and partially recovered since the sharp softening recorded in May, with the Southern economy outlook lifting meaningfully and hiring intentions rebounding strongly. However, the picture is not uniformly positive. Financial performance expectations have eased further, the fuel crisis is still worsening for most businesses, insurance costs are an emerging new pressure, and critically for the election period more businesses now believe New Zealand is heading in the wrong direction than the right one.
Your experience counts. What if it could become a qualification?
Many experienced professionals spend years building valuable skills, solving complex problems, leading teams and driving results, yet often have no formal qualification that reflects what they know and can do.
That's where Capable NZ is changing the conversation.
What exporters are asking of the next government
ExportNZ has released its 2026 Pre-Election Blueprint, Grow Locally, Compete Globally, setting out what the export sector wants to see from the next government.
Growing New Zealand from the South: A Policy Platform for Election 2026
For the first time, all eight South Island Chambers of Commerce have come together to launch a shared election policy platform, calling on all political parties to back the South Island as a driver of New Zealand's next phase of economic growth.
Aspire Realty - Independent by Choice. Driven by Results
Approaching our first anniversary, Aspire Realty has quickly established itself as one of Wānaka's leading independent real estate agencies. The partnership between Craig Myles and George Wallis brings together decades of local knowledge, commercial expertise and a fresh approach to marketing property.
Have Your Say: Our Submission on the Dispute System
New Zealand's employment dispute system is under review, and Business South has made a formal submission to MBIE on behalf of our members.
Business South welcomes clarity on leave reform, urges smooth transition for Southern businesses
Business South has welcomed today's passing of the Employment Leave Bill, saying any genuine simplification of the Holidays Act will be good news for businesses and workers across Otago and Southland.
WEBINAR - eInvoicing uptake surges: what it means for your business
E-invoicing is becoming the new standard for New Zealand businesses. Discover how it can reduce admin, improve cashflow, and why now is the time to make the switch.
Health and safety reform passes: what the new law means for your business
Enterprise Partners
Pivotal Partners
