From rugged Fiordland in the west, across fertile farmland, scenic lakes and rivers, Southland is a region of distinct landscapes.
The rich and productive land allows agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, forestry, fishing and mining to provide strong foundations to the local economy.
The country’s most southern city Invercargill is critical to growth in the region, particularly the major redevelopment of the CBD funded by Kāona – Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit.
Southland's action plan for 2015-2025 includes a number of ambitious ways to meet the challenges of diversifying the region’s economy, growing its population and strengthening local businesses.
Southland Regional Development Strategy Action Plan
For full details on projects funded in the region:
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Hokonui Moonshine Museum and Distillery
The Hokonui Moonshine Museum and Distillery presents a rich tapestry of local stories and gives both locals and visitors a greater insight into the town’s history.
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Hats off to the farmers
The Pomahaka Water Care Group celebrated the completion of a project that has seen 102km of fencing and 110,000 native riparian plants established on over 104 different farms in the Pomahaka catchment in South Otago.
Southland/Murihiku stories
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Investment in our regional economies continues
The Government is continuing to invest in our regional economies as part of an ongoing strategy to develop these areas to become more productive, resilient, inclusive and sustainable.
8 August, 2023
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James Cumming Community Centre and Library opened in Gore
On Friday, 24 March, Minister of Regional Development, Kiri Allan was in Gore to celebrate the opening of the James Cumming Community Centre and Library.
5 April, 2023
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Oat milk gets the OK from RSPF
Southland's burgeoning oat milk industry is set to make a splash with the Government investing in a new oat milk processing plant near Invercargill.
14 July, 2022
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CRHL welcomes newly appointed members
Crown Regional Holdings Limited (CRHL) has increased its Board of Directors from three to seven, welcoming Dame Patsy Reddy, Anne-Marie Broughton, Elizabeth Hopkins and Rosie Mercer.
28 June, 2022
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Engineered for success – expansion of innovative engineering youth training programme
An innovative Provincial Growth Fund-backed youth training programme in South Otago is already proving so successful that it's being rolled out across the lower South Island.
11 August, 2021
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More funding to grow our regions – and a new identity for the Provincial Development Unit
A new fund has been created to boost the drive to grow regional economies.
27 May, 2021
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Addressing wool industry skill shortages
Today is the first ‘in-shed’ day for 60 shearers and wool handlers enrolled in an ambitious pilot programme, which aims to plug skill gaps by growing and upskilling New Zealand’s wool industry workforce.
10 May, 2021
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Economic boost to upgrade Southland marae
The government is investing $9 million to upgrade a significant community facility in Invercargill, providing the wider Southland region with an economic stimulus and jobs.
28 January, 2021
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Provincial Development Unit helps bring heart back to Invercargill CBD
The Provincial Development Unit (PDU) is proud to help bring the heart back to Invercargill’s inner city with the official sod turning at the long-awaited city centre development.
8 December, 2020
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The digital marae – helping connect iwi around the country
The Provincial Development Unit is investing up to $1.8 million to help train iwi to get the most out of the programme to digitally connect marae.
20 November, 2020
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Published: 3 October, 2023