Business-South

11/06/2026

Something we have been quietly proud of in Otago just got a lot bigger. The government has backed Business South's Accelerator NZ programme to expand nationally, reaching 500 more businesses over the next year. ✨

What started in January as a programme for Otago and Southland businesses, combining AI-powered diagnostics with hands-on local business advice, is now set to expand to regions across Aotearoa New Zealand.

A key part of what makes this possible is our partnership with the University of Otago. Led by the Otago Business School, the partnership connects businesses to cutting-edge research, matches students to live projects, and will underpin a national longitudinal study into what actually drives business productivity in New Zealand.

Over 120 businesses have been through it so far. This funding means more businesses across the country get access to practical, personalised support and a clear plan for growth and support.

Ngā mihi to Minister Cameron Brewer for backing something that works, and to University of Otago for being such a committed partner in building something genuinely useful for New Zealand business.

Full story in the ODT: https://www.odt.co.nz/business/accelerator-nz-gets-govt-funding-boost

Or read the Media release by the Minister on the Beehive.govt.nz website: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/government-backs-ai-support-small-business

In the photo Minister Cameron Brewer and Business South Chief Executive Mike Collins.

04/06/2026

Brilliant to see Ōtepoti Dunedin on the international stage! Dunedin's film location showreel is a finalist at the International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals (CIFFT) for Best City Promotion, competing alongside some of the world's best-resourced destination marketing.

This is the kind of work that puts our city on the map and gives our businesses, our film sector, and our wider creative economy something to shout about. Ngā mihi to everyone involved.

Take a look at the reel here: https://youtu.be/Xfq4ZSCc3Dk?si=bzEfzhc9Qc4MdSSQ

We're incredibly proud to share that our Film Dunedin showreel has been named a finalist at the US International Awards in Los Angeles in the category of Best City Promotion.

The festival is accredited by CIFFT (International Committee of Tourism Film Festivals) and is one of the world's leading competitions celebrating the best travel films from around the globe.

Congratulations to the entire team who helped bring this project to life especially Stefan and Hayden who produced and directed this awesome piece of marketing content in house.

If you haven’t seen this – have a watch – it’s a great production and showcase of our Dunedin film locations and destination in general. A big congrats to our team who produced this in-house!

Dunedin - Auditioning Now

Infinite Worlds. One Location. | Dunedin, New Zealand Film Locations.

https://youtu.be/Xfq4ZSCc3Dk?si=sJv8E0s2fW7XrQrU

03/06/2026

Something big is coming to the South. 🎉 On 9 October 2026, Accelerate South arrives at the Dunedin Centre. A full day of practical insight, world-class speakers, and genuine connection with the most ambitious business people in the region.

We're proud to confirm our first two speakers:
🎯 Dame Valerie Adams, two-time gold medallist and one of Aotearoa's greatest stories of resilience and reinvention.
🎯 Sir Ian Taylor, founder of a world-leading tech company, built right here in the South. And they're just the start.

Tickets are on sale now and seats are limited. Secure yours today.
👉 https://acceleratesouth.my.canva.site/

Sponsorship packages are also available for businesses wanting to put their brand in front of hundreds of decision-makers and business owners. Get in touch to find out more.

22/05/2026

A new Government-backed initiative is helping Southern businesses build resilience and prepare for change.

Business South and Great South are proud to be delivering a series of fully funded workshops and webinars across the region as part of the Regional Business Partner Network’s new business resilience programme.

Designed for small and medium businesses, these practical sessions will help organisations strengthen continuity planning, respond to uncertainty, and build confidence for the future.

📍 Join us:

Online (15 and 29 June): https://businesssouth.outreach.co.nz/forms/register?event=433861

Invercargill (15 June): https://events.humanitix.com/adapting-to-change-invercargill

Dunedin (22 June): https://businesssouth.outreach.co.nz/forms/register?event=429895

Balclutha (22 June): https://businesssouth.outreach.co.nz/forms/register?event=432197

Queenstown (29 June): https://businesssouth.outreach.co.nz/forms/register?event=432517

Te Anau - date TBC

Free to attend. Practical. Relevant. Built for business.

More information about the government announcement: https://www.beehive.govt.nz/release/package-support-small-businesses-announced

11/05/2026

Big thanks to Wolf Coffee in Arrowtown for sharing what they got out of the Business South Accelerator.

When you're flat out running the business, it's hard to step back and see what's going on. The Accelerator gives you a way to do that. Clear priorities. A practical plan you can actually use. . 🎯

Free, open to any Otago or Southland business.

Find out more: https://business-south.org.nz/how-we-help/accelerator/

05/05/2026

Thanks to all the candidates who joined us last night to take questions from Dunedin's business community, and to everyone who came along.

Infrastructure, housing and leadership were all part of the mix. And with the government just announcing their District Council amalgamation proposal, candidates had plenty to weigh in on.

For business owners trying to work out where to put their tick, last night gave a clearer picture of who's offering what. The Otago Daily Times covered the night, link in the comments.

Make sure to get your vote in as voting closes at noon next Tuesday. 🗳️

04/05/2026

Can the investment models we've always relied on still solve the challenges we're facing? Housing, infrastructure, climate, equity. Or do we need new thinking?

That's the question at the heart of "Local economy: Tail or dog?", a public lecture we're co-hosting with Te Maea and the Climate and Energy Finance Group at the University of Otago.

If you have a stake in how our region is funded, built, and shaped, come along for the kōrero this Thursday.

Registration link in the comments.

01/05/2026

Plenty of candidates. Not enough time to find the right one.

ChamberWorks connects Otago and Southland businesses with Aotearoa's largest talent pipeline, with pre-screened candidates and local hiring support every step of the way.

For time-poor business owners, that means less CV sifting, fewer dead ends, and a better shot at the right hire, first time.

Whether you're filling one role or building out the team, ChamberWorks will help you get started.

Find your next hire at ChamberWorks. Link in the comments.

30/04/2026

A great turnout in Cromwell last week for our latest Business After 5. ✨

Thanks to Mactodd Community Charitable Trust for opening their doors, and to everyone who came along to connect, kōrero, and catch up with the Central Otago business community.

The energy in the room said it all. When our members get together, good things happen.

Next Central Otago BA5: 21st of May at Central Lakes Trust. Keep an eye on our events page.

30/04/2026

A by-election is around the corner, and Business South is putting the questions to the candidates on behalf of Dunedin's business community.

The decisions made at a local government level play an important role in our community. This is the moment to find out who's prioritising what.

Seats are limited and registration is essential. Lock yours in: https://businesssouth.outreach.co.nz/forms/register?event=419908