In conversations across New Zealand, terms like ‘recession’ and ‘cost of living crisis’ dominate the dialogue, presenting formidable challenges. Locally, political antics and colourful behaviours in local body politics often capture media attention. Here in Southland, our chats typically begin with a lament about the weather. But while doom and gloom seem to lead, and the weather may be a frequent opener of conversation (by the way, wear a coat), significant change is happening in our region – and it's something we should be celebrating.

The ASB scorecard has put Southland on the podium as the best-performing region in New Zealand. This is no small feat, and it’s time we started telling our story differently. Storytelling is important – and we are not doing a great job at it.

Hey Southland, you are nailing it… Our community is doing a bloody good job, and it's time we owned it, let the rest of New Zealand, and the world, know about it.

Celebrating Successes: Building Confidence

Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter has committed to remain operational in Southland for another 20 years. This decision is monumental, providing a solid foundation for business confidence, attracting investment, and encouraging employers to hire new staff. For many local businesses, this assurance directly impacts their viability. Celebrating this milestone ensures economic stability and growth for our region.

The Southern Institute of Technology (SIT) is on the cusp of reclaiming its independence. This is another victory for Southland. SIT is a cornerstone of our community, driving vibrancy, culture, and education. This achievement should be more than just a fleeting headline; it is a pivotal moment that deserves ongoing recognition and celebration.

New industries are setting up shop in Southland, promising to reshape our business landscape. Data centres are establishing a presence here, paving the way for technologically driven businesses to thrive. These centres are powerful enablers for new ventures, marking an exciting phase of innovation and growth for our region.

We have a new city centre. The tide is lifting as this incredible investment has been a catalyst for further investment and also creates an incredible inner city experience.

There is so much innovation in our community. It’s hard to list them all, but we are home to Space Ops, an industry that has captured the world's attention. Yet, in true Southland fashion, we remain humble and continue with our work, despite the fact the worlds eyes are on it. This noteworthy achievement deserves celebration and should be a significant part of our narrative as technological leaders.

Aquaculture is moving towards significant scaling in Southland. The world wants our produce, and we can provide it – another incredible feather in our cap.

Food is something done better in Southland than anywhere else. Southland is renowned for its exceptional food, with the longest coastline in New Zealand offering some of the finest finfish, alongside a diverse range of boutique makers and creators, growers, and farmers. Our food scene is a testament to our innovation and hard work, and it’s an integral part of Southland's story that deserves to be celebrated.

Shifting the Narrative is Strategic Too

Changing the narrative isn’t just about boosting our collective ego; it’s a strategic move for business, attraction, and recruitment. A positive narrative fosters spending confidence and investor confidence. When businesses and individuals see Southland’s successes, they are more likely to invest and spend here.

By promoting our achievements, we create a ripple effect. Positive stories attract businesses and talent, fostering a thriving economic environment. Investor confidence increases, leading to more opportunities and growth. Our regional perception has a direct correlation to our economic prowess.

Recruitment and retention are tough, and a lot of businesses are struggling. But celebrating our wins also plays a role in recruitment too helping us to attract top talent. People want to work where there’s a positive buzz. By sharing our successes, we create an appealing narrative that draws skilled professionals to our region.

And hey it makes us feel better! Acknowledging and celebrating our accomplishments feels good. It fosters a sense of pride and belonging. When we see our hard work recognised, it boosts our morale and encourages us to continue striving for excellence. It’s great to live in a place that we are proud of.

A New Southland Story

Our skyline is changing, and exciting development is happening in our city. The inner-city experience is shifting… and it’s a fantastic (ahem, award-wining) place to be and experience!

One of the greatest aspects of being a Southlander is our humility and strong work ethic. We roll up our sleeves, get the job done, and don’t feel the need to boast. However, it’s time we recognise and celebrate our accomplishments. Southland is making significant contributions, and it’s essential to acknowledge and share our successes.

We are hard workers, innovators, and humble achievers. But sometimes, we need to forget the weather chat, stand up, and say, "We're doing a bloody good job!"

Let’s change the narrative and start talking about the incredible things happening in Southland. It's a strategic move that will benefit our businesses, attract investment, boost recruitment, and most importantly, make us feel proud of our remarkable region.