A new vision for the future of Murihiku Southland and the roadmap to get there was launched at a function in Invercargill on 28 June 2023.
The Beyond 2025 Southland Regional Long Term Plan is the culmination of 18 months’ work and shares aspirations for the region’s future economy, environment and people and how these aspirations could be achieved.
It serves as the long-term plan within Southland’s Just Transition, as well as the refresh of the Southland Regional Development Strategy (SoRDS 2015).
Project lead Bobbi Brown said ultimately the plan was about making Murihiku Southland a place where everyone could live in the way they wanted to, by building on success and a strong foundation.
“I am confident we are walking proudly and staunchly into a bright new era for Murihiku Southland,” Mrs Brown said.
Great South facilitated this work on behalf of the region, with the support of the Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE), and the Southland Just Transition Enduring Oversight Group (EOG).
Great South Chairman Ian Collier said the plan revealed the intricacies of the regional jigsaw.
“It consolidates findings from various pieces of research and represents a huge amount of effort by many people and what’s really important is that it is backed up by evidence, facts and data that we can rely on to guide us.
“I’d like to acknowledge the EOG, MBIE, iwi, councils and all stakeholders who contributed to this extraordinary and complex piece of work for the region.
At the event it was announced that Great South has been granted further funding from MBIE to facilitate implementation of the plan for the following year.
“We look forward to continuing to work with these parties to see the plan implemented,” Mr Collier said.
Mrs Brown emphasised the plan was long-term and that as the operating environment changed, the plan would be updated accordingly.
Stakeholders and contributors to the plan from around the region and nationwide gathered for the launch at a function held at Te Rau o te Huia in Invercargill.
The Beyond 2025 Southland Regional Long Term Plan is available at beyond2025southland.nz.