News

Call for Board Nominations

Nominations are now open for four positions on the Board of Business South Incorporated.

Business South is going from strength to strength, and we are now embarking on a growth phase for our organisation.  This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of the organisation, driving support and advocacy for businesses across Otago and Southland.

The Complexities of Calculating Leave and Holidays Act reform

The complexity of the Holidays Act 2003 has been loudly trumpeted for many years amongst practitioners in the legal, human resources, and payroll spaces. A taskforce was set up in 2018 to simplify the Act and in 2020, the government endorsed all recommendations.  The current government is set to review and enact the changes albeit modified reflecting the current governments priorities.

Due to the complexity, we will provide a rolling review of the types of changes that have been talked about, but not yet enacted into legislation. 

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

We need your feedback!

We are undertaking a ‘Training Pulse Check’ of our training platform to ensure our training courses are perfectly customised to your business needs.

Fill in this survey (only takes 5 minutes) and go into the draw to win a Training Voucher to the value of $1,000.

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. 

Letter from the BSCO Chair

Read about the latest updates and successes of the Central Otago Business Community.

Leadership Academy 2024 - Scholarship announcement

Central Otago District Council’s Welcoming Communities and Business South have partnered to support the leadership development of newcomers within the business, community and non-profit sectors. 

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.