News

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

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."