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
Southland stories
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