Source: Business Canterbury
For the first time, all eight South Island Chambers of Commerce have come together to launch a shared election policy platform, calling on all political parties to back the South Island as a driver of New Zealand’s next phase of economic growth.
The document, Growing New Zealand from the South: A Policy Platform for Election 2026, sets out a shared vision for unlocking investment, productivity and sustainable growth across the South Island economy, while providing political parties with a clear and actionable blueprint for supporting regional business success.
Representing around 7,000 businesses, the South Island Chambers are setting an ambitious goal – lifting South Island GDP per capita to at least $130,000 by 2035 and positioning the South Island above the national average in living standards and economic performance.
Business Canterbury Chief Executive, Leeann Watson said the manifesto reflects the level of alignment among South Island businesses and regions.
“This is the first time all eight South Island Chambers of Commerce have come together around a single policy platform, and that in itself sends a powerful message.”
“The South Island is already a major contributor to New Zealand’s economy. We produce a third of the country’s exports, attract billions in visitor spending, and are home to innovative businesses competing on the world stage. Growth is already happening here.”
“Our message to political parties is simple, if New Zealand wants stronger productivity, higher incomes and greater resilience, backing South Island growth is one of the smartest investments we can make. Our document sets out the practical steps needed to make that happen.”
The manifesto focuses on six priority areas: workforce and immigration, infrastructure, energy, compliance and local government, investment and capital, and exports and international growth. It calls for common-sense policy changes that unlock investment, improve connectivity, reduce unnecessary compliance, strengthen workforce settings and support businesses to grow.
Watson said the platform was deliberately focused on practical actions rather than politics.
“This isn’t about asking for special treatment. It’s about recognising where opportunities already exist and ensuring the policy settings help businesses realise them.”
“We’ve worked across regions and sectors to identify areas where there is genuine consensus. The result is a constructive, business-led roadmap that any party serious about growing the economy should be able to engage with.”
Southland Business Chamber Chief Executive Sheree Carey said the South Island had a unique opportunity to lead New Zealand’s economic future.
“From food and fibre to advanced manufacturing, energy, tourism and technology, the South Island has many of the ingredients needed to drive New Zealand’s next wave of growth.”
“What businesses need now is confidence that infrastructure, workforce and regulatory settings will support investment and innovation. This platform provides a practical starting point for that conversation.”
Nelson Tasman Chamber of Commerce Chief Executive Ali Boswijk said the strength of the manifesto was the fact it reflected a genuinely shared regional voice.
“The South Island is incredibly diverse, but what we’ve found through this process is that businesses across our regions face many of the same opportunities and challenges.”
“Political parties often tell us they want alignment, clear signals and specific asks from the business community. This document provides that. It is a consensus-based, solutions-focused platform that reflects what businesses on the ground believe is needed to unlock growth.”
Watson said the manifesto was ultimately about ensuring New Zealand’s long-term prosperity.
“The South Island already contributes around $100 billion to the national economy and has enormous potential to do even more. By backing innovation, investment and productivity, we can lift living standards, create opportunities for our communities and help grow the wider New Zealand economy.”
“The opportunity is clear. Now we need the policy settings and investment that allow the South Island to reach its full potential.”
Policy platform: https://mcusercontent.com/bb79559f49d81d2dc4753a1dd/files/1c2cd6d7-3439-db96-fb1a-8a53edd3a78b/South_Island_Election_Manifesto_Final_Version.pdf
About Business Canterbury
Business Canterbury, formerly Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, is the second largest Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand and the largest business support organisation in the South Island. It advocates on behalf of its members for an environment more favourable to innovation, productivity and sustainable growth.