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
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.
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
Southern exporters proving resilient amid toughest trading conditions on record
New data from the ExportNZ DHL Export Barometer confirms what many of our members have been telling us directly: exporting has never been harder, yet Kiwi businesses continue to find a way through.
One Otago: the reform conversation is moving and Business South is in it
Last week the Otago Mayoral Forum's commissioned analysis from Morrison Low Advisory was released publicly. Business South has read it carefully. Here is what it means for the reform conversation and for our position.
Health and safety reform: where the Bill is at and what it means for your business
The Health and Safety at Work Amendment Bill took a significant step forward today. On 16/06/2026, the Education and Workforce Select Committee reported the Bill back to Parliament, recommending it be passed. For the thousands of businesses across Otago and Southland trying to balance safety with the day to day realities of running a business, this matters.
Here is where things stand, what is changing, and what it means if you employ a smaller team.
Landmark summer for R&D Experience Grants
Otago’s innovation sector is celebrating a landmark summer for R&D Experience Grants, with a record number of students gaining hands-on experience in local innovation businesses.
Facilitated by Business South, the programme funded internships for 37 undergraduate students across 24 innovation-led businesses
Business South Innovation Manager, Danny Healy, says the feedback from businesses has been overwhelmingly positive.
Budget 2026: Here is the detail that matters for Otago and Southland businessess
Business South has welcomed Budget 2026 as a disciplined, growth-focused plan that puts New Zealand's finances back on track and positions the economy for a sustainable recovery.
"This is the kind of Budget business needs," says Business South Chief Executive Mike Collins. "Fiscal discipline, a credible path back to surplus, capital going into infrastructure, and a Government that understands you cannot spend your way to prosperity. After years of debt accumulation, getting the books in order is not optional. It is the foundation everything else is built on."
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.
Enterprise Partners
Pivotal Partners
