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 founded on fishing, forestry, agriculture and energy; all of which hold rich opportunities and potential for further growth.
Southland's action plan for 2015-2025 includes a number of ambitious ways to meet the region’s three main challenges: diversifying its economy, growing its population and strengthening local businesses.
Southland Regional Development Strategy Action Plan
For full details on projects funded in the region:
Southland/Murihiku stories
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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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Housing boost for Southland
An investment of nearly $1.9 million will fund the building of six homes for Kaumatua and Pakeke in Bluff.
16 October, 2020
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Engineering companies in Southland and Otago get PGF boost
Two engineering companies will receive a total of $329,885 Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) investment to increase their productivity and create more jobs in the Southland and Otago regions.
16 October, 2020
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3100 jobs created through marae upgrades
Over 350 marae throughout the country will be upgraded with a $95.6 million investment from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to create jobs and put money into the pockets of local tradespeople and businesses.
12 October, 2020
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Māori development gets over $18 million boost
Māori development projects across the country will receive a total of $18.8 million from the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) that will create infrastructure and permanent jobs.
6 October, 2020
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Pasifika churches get $10m government funding
Pasifika churches around the country are receiving nearly ten million dollars in government help for renovations and improvements which will create jobs in the communities they serve.
2 October, 2020
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$60m for nationwide job creation
The Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) is providing $60 million to councils and KiwiRail to create employment for local workers.
19 June, 2020
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Provincial Growth Fund reset helps regional economies
At least $600 million of Provincial Growth Fund money will be used to support regional economies as they recover from COVID-19.
3 June, 2020
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PGF grows Māori economy
Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) support for the Māori economy is expected to have far-reaching effects, a report from the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research (NZIER) has found.
28 April, 2020
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PGF funding being repurposed to help protect jobs and businesses
The Provincial Development Unit is working across government, business, and industry to protect jobs and businesses as the global economic downturn due to the COVID-19 outbreak continues to impact on our regions.
27 March, 2020
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Land, air and sea: regions to benefit from NZ Upgrade
Regional New Zealand will be a hive of activity in the coming months as the New Zealand Upgrade Programme delivers on its promise to modernise our infrastructure, prepare for climate change and help grow our economy.
28 February, 2020
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Milford gets connected with NZ Upgrade
Digital and air connectivity in Fiordland are getting a big boost as part of the $12 billion New Zealand Upgrade Programme announced in January.
28 February, 2020
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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.
15 January, 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.
10 December, 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.
4 December, 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.
2 December, 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.
27 September, 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.”
19 August, 2019
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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.
26 July, 2019
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Published: 30 October, 2020