News

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. 

Annual Plan submission - Waitaki District Council

Business South has made a formal submission to the Waitaki District Council on its proposed Annual Plan 2026/27, which puts forward rates increases of between 19% and 45% to address a $14 million structural deficit.

Our submission represents the views of Waitaki business members and draws on findings from our February 2026 Quarterly Business Survey and a targeted pulse-check survey on rates impacts conducted ahead of the consultation. 

Annual Plan submission - Clutha District Council

The Clutha District's proposed average rates increase of 20.58% in 2026/27, building on 16.67% in 2025/26, represents a cumulative increase of approximately 40% across two years. Business South urges Council to balance necessary cost recovery with measures that protect business confidence and support economic growth. 

Annual Plan submission - Dunedin City Council

Article feature in the ODT:

"There is insufficient urgency from the Dunedin City Council in its planning around what the city needs to do to grow its economic base, attract and retain talent, Business South says."

Back the India deal: Business leaders call for cross-party support

The BusinessNZ Network (including Business South) and leaders across New Zealand’s export sector are calling on all political parties to back the New Zealand-India Free Trade Agreement, warning the country cannot afford to miss a major economic opportunity.