News & Insights

Unlocking Momentum in the South

Date
  • 2025 May
Location
  • Otago – Southland

Earlier this month, we gathered in Ōtepoti for Revitalising the South: A Conversation on Leadership, Growth & Regional Resilience. It brought together leaders from government, business, and the delivery sector to talk about the path forward for the region.

In a region known for resilience, pragmatism, and steady ambition, activity is picking up across the board. Businesses are investing. Councils are planning for growth. Government is engaging more directly with regional priorities. There’s a stronger sense of direction and coordination than we’ve seen in some time.

Hon James Meager, Minister for the South Island, spoke about the government’s commitment to supporting regional progress and ensuring local perspectives are part of decision-making.

Michael Collins, CEO of Business South, highlighted growing business confidence and the need for everyone to work together to advance the Dunedin Growth Plan and Accelerate Otago strategy.

Jeremy Hay, RCP Managing Director, offered a delivery perspective, reinforcing the importance of turning good ideas into real results.

  • Our region is ready.

  • The opportunities are real.

  • And through partnership, we can accelerate delivery.

Revitalising the Southern Region takes more than isolated wins. It depends on strong partnerships across government, industry, and mana whenua, along with alignment at the top and consistent delivery on the ground.

At RCP, we bring national experience together with local understanding. Our teams in Dunedin, Queenstown and Invercargill are part of the communities they work in, with strong ties to the people and places shaping the future of the Southern Region.

So what’s next?

We’re re-engaging with industry and sector leaders to define and facilitate the right opportunities and build the partnerships needed to deliver. We’ll continue making space for these conversations to help build momentum and support meaningful outcomes across the region.

If you're holding an idea, proposal, or challenge that needs traction, we're ready to help, and we'll be sharing more as this work continues to take shape.

Contact Bruce Goodger

About the author
Senior Associate - Dunedin Manager