Southland describes itself as “the New Zealand we all dream of”, with its unmatched rugged beauty providing an attractive natural playground for locals and visitors.
As well as tourism, the region’s economy is based on fishing, forestry, agriculture and energy resources, all of which hold rich opportunities and potential for further growth.
The Southland Regional Development Strategy, launched in October 2015, is a high-level integrated strategy to bring together each of the different regional development efforts taking place.
Southland's action plan for 2015-2025 includes a number of ambitious ways to meet their three main challenges: to diversify its economy, grow its population, and strengthen local business.
Southland Regional Development Strategy Te Iwi Me Oranga Rauemi
Southland Regional Development Strategy Action Plan (PDF, 8.6 MB)
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Opening up Southland to the world
Southlanders will have greater access to New Zealand’s biggest city and the world when the first jet flight from Auckland to Invercargill since 1995 touches down in late August.
July 26, 2019
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Construction starting soon on Hokonui Moonshine Museum expansion
Designs are nearing completion for the Hokonui Moonshine Museum’s redevelopment, including a new distillery in Gore that will quadruple the production of its historically accurate whiskey brand.
May 22, 2019
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Eight regions to receive $14M to expand 3D mapping
Eight Regional Councils, in partnership with their Territorial Authorities and others, have applied for and will receive $14 million of co-funding from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to obtain, LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) elevation datasets.
May 21, 2019
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PGF backing growth in Gore
The Provincial Growth Fund will help young people into jobs and support economic growth in Southland through a $3.7 million investment in Gore, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones has announced.
April 26, 2019
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Supporting work to bring the heart back to the Invercargill CBD
“This is about making a CBD that makes sense for the heart of Invercargill and breathing new life into the area.”
August 19, 2019
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PGF grant supports Great South
A $400k grant from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to Southland’s economic development agency will help the agency drive Southland’s regional economic development aspirations.
September 27, 2019
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TAM-funded Tupu Aotearoa programme encourages growth mindset
Having successfully completed the Tupu Aotearoa programme run by Alignz Recruitment, Fuaifale Tyrell sees things from a very different perspective.
December 4, 2019
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PGF approves wind turbines funding for Stewart Island
Stewart Island has been granted $3.16 million from the Provincial Growth Fund to convert part of its electricity generation to wind power through building two wind turbines there.
December 2, 2019
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PGF investment in Pacific employment programme reaps rewards
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) investment of $8.85 million (announced in February last year) to allow the Tupu Aotearoa programme (formerly the Pacific Employment Support Service) to be expanded to the regions is reaping rewards.
January 15, 2020
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PGF backs Southland
A $4 million Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) investment in Southland will lift productivity and create new jobs, Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones announced in Invercargill.
December 10, 2019
Southland stories
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Published: Jun 11, 2019