Beyond 2025 Southland: A Year of Progress and Promise

Murihiku Southland’s Beyond 2025 Southland Long-Term Plan has achieved remarkable milestones in its first year, with its 12-month review now available.

23 Jan 2025

beyond southland

Recognised nationally for excellence and awarded Best Practice for Integrated Strategy at the Economic Development NZ Awards, the plan is driving significant progress towards a resilient and sustainable future for the region.


Over the past 12 months, the plan has delivered tangible results across key areas. The launch of the Data Insights Southland Hub (DISH) has provided crucial data to inform decisions on housing, tourism, and environmental management. New housing frameworks and initiatives have tackled affordability and availability challenges, while workforce development programmes, such as Southland Youth Futures and E tū’s Job Match platform, have strengthened talent retention and created better connections between job seekers and employers.


Infrastructure investments have further positioned Southland for sustainable growth. The expansion of Invercargill Airport, upgrades at South Port, and the establishment of the Southland Engineering & Manufacturing Cluster have increased the region’s capacity to support economic development. At the same time, decarbonisation workshops and the Southland Water and Land Plan have advanced environmental goals, reducing emissions and improving resource management.


Murihiku Southland’s economic contributions remain strong, with 12% of New Zealand’s pastoral exports originating from the region and a GDP per capita of $80,148—the third highest in the country. These achievements reflect the region’s ability to compete on a national scale while exploring new opportunities in data centres, aquaculture, and renewable energy.


The review highlights the importance of collaboration among councils, iwi, businesses, and communities in driving these outcomes. As the region looks to the future, the successes of the past year set a strong foundation for continued progress. Beyond 2025 provides the roadmap to ensure Murihiku Southland remains a thriving, innovative, and sustainable region for generations to come.

The 12-month review document can be found here or by popping into Great South.

For more information on Beyond 2025 Southland Regional Long-Term Plan click here.