Historical roots & economic foundation
From the mid-1800s, much of the South Island, including Otago and Southland, developed as pastoral country: sheep for wool and meat dominated exports, and with the arrival of refrigeration in the 1880s transformed this rural economy, enabling frozen meat and later dairy to be exported abroad. This is still evident in the local community Over time, many sheep-based farms diversified or converted into dairy, horticulture, and other forms of agriculture.
In towns like Gore, early European settlement (from the 1860s), the establishment of farms and later dairy conversions shaped many local livelihoods.
Today’s local Economic profile
- Southland’s economy remains strongly rooted in agriculture, especially dairy, sheep and cattle. This is to a degree, supplemented by forestry, energy (hydropower and historically coal/lignite), and food processing.
- The strong emergence of tourism has continued through to today where we see huge growth and opportunity in the likes of the Queenstown and other beautiful natural areas such as the Fiordland region.
- In the year to March 2023, tourism contributed roughly 24.2% of the district GDP — vastly higher than the national average.
- Construction and real estate/re-rental also play a larger role than average, reflecting growing housing and visitor accommodation demand.
The overall picture & current challenges
Together, these regions reflect the broader shift of New Zealand’s South Island: from a 19th-century pastoral export base to a more mixed economy of agriculture, energy/hydro, food processing, and tourism. .
The rapidly growing visitor economy in the Southern Lakes brings prosperity, but at the same time creates huge pressure on our infrastructure. Meanwhile, rural and farming areas wrestle with global commodity price volatility, land-use sustainability, and the need to diversify beyond traditional agriculture.
We here at Prime Strategies understand New Zealand and how important the SME business base is within our economy and our future as business owners. We welcome the opportunity to chat with you about your business and how we can help you grow in your community
Talk to a local Prime Strategies Advisor for some good solid advice and support in these areas.
What We Do
We help our local SMEs to:
- Build stronger, sustainable and more profitable business models
- Create strong system and process within the business
- Improve cashflow, margins and long-term profits
- Develop teams that perform with drive and purpose
- Plan for growth, succession, and/or exit
Why Work With Prime Strategies Group?
You don’t need a buddy, you need a guide, a business friend and guiding partner not just theory – accountability, planning and process.
Our southern team are all hands-on business realistic reliable people who’ve built, grown, and led companies themselves. We bring real-world experience, real time, realistic strength of purpose right to your door.
We understand:
- The numbers
- The people and their roles
- The focus required
- Help you make better more focused decisions
- Regain control and confidence as a business owner
Local Insight, National Strength
With Prime Strategies’ national network behind you and your business we have expertise that is designed to help you, no nonsense, no unrealistic dreams, no bull, just simple strategic guidance with care and attention for you and your business.
We’re proud to support New Zealand business. For Kiwis by Kiwis
Let’s Talk
If you’re ready to take your business to the next level, let’s start with a coffee and a quiet chat.
We’ll sit down, get a good understanding of your needs and dreams and build a plan to get you there.
