Lou from Wee has pulled together a brilliant story on three new products that capture everything we love about local makers: resourcefulness, grit, and no shortcuts.

We received an epic email from Southland founder Laura Thompson who has wrapped up a massive year of growth for āhei —her platform helping kaiako and coaches plan inclusive physical education and sport sessions.

1 October 2025

After a decade of hard work, Toni and Rob Auld of Auld Farm Distillery are celebrating the release of their first single-malt whisky, crafted from grain grown on their 100-year-old Scott’s Gap farm. Featured in the Otago Daily Times, their story is a testament to Southland determination, innovation, and a deep commitment to adding value from the ground up.

8 October 2025

Award-winning founder Haylee Chanel Simeon, recently recognised by both the Southland Business Chamber and KUMA Southern Māori Business Network, has been featured by Te Ao News. The video showcases her inspiring journey building a restaurant grounded in aroha, and a glimpse of Southland’s stunning aquaculture at Ocean Beach.

3rd August 2025

Celebrating a good sort doing good things. James from Your Corps was this this weeks Good Sort. If you haven’t hear about the amazing mahi James is doing for young people in Southland go and watch this.

August 2025

Congratulations to Fat Bastard Pies and The Pieoneer both recognised nationally for doing what they do best.

July 2025

Smart tech in the paddocks of the deep south. Hear Matthew Malcolm's Radio New Zealand interview and discover how it’s changing the way weeds are managed, with a touch of AI and the power of lasers.

August 2025

Southland founder Laura Thompson from āhei has been featured in Ministry of Awesome’s roundup of ten electrifying women founders. She's building a platform that helps teachers and sports coaches make inclusion a natural part of every session.

June 2025

Bold ideas, from the farm to the farm gate and beyond. Grant Lightfoot was also featured on Hyundai Country Calendar, showcasing what it looks like to tackle big challenges with resourcefulness and Southland grit, right from the paddock.

May 2025

Davaar Jerseys and Sprig & Thistle were featured on Hyundai Country Calendar, showcasing what it looks like to build a business from what you’ve got, right where you are.

Bold ideas, from the farm to the farm gate and beyond.

June 2025

Resolution, born in Te Anau were showcasing their app that brings farm data together in one easy-to-use toolbox at this year’s Field Days. Have a listen to this interview live from their Field Days stand.

30 May 2025

Smart founders, a standout idea, and a bold step toward the international market. Find out about Romene skincare in the Farmers Weekly.

March 2025
Gold - Hopefield Hemp: Hempseed Oil

Silver - Good Guise: Queso Fresco 

Bronze - Robbies by Mrs Pickles: Honey & Balsamic Pickled Onions Robbies by Mrs Pickles Noir Galik, Black Garlic Sauce Artisan Collection

Janurary 2025

Southland spirit, international recognition. Bluff Distillery’s London Dry Gin just took home a Gold at the 2025 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. World-class craft from right here at the bottom of the world. You can read about it here, or check out the other winners here.

July 2025

Proud to see an amazing trio of distilleries in the July 2025 Kia Ora Magazine.

April 2025

Cathy spotted a double page spread in the Kia Ora Magazine of Southland Mushrooms. You can read the full spread in the April 2025 magazine here (page 82)

18 April 2025

Two Southland businesses collaborating on one clever solution. Have a read over on The Southland Tribune.

04 May 2025

Cam Richardson from Paysquad was one of 14 fintech founders pitching at the Fintech Lab in Wellington last week. The Post covered the event, highlighting Paysquad and the other startups tackling how we pay in fresh, creative ways.

November 2024

Thank you so much to the teams of Manaki whitebait, The NZ Abalone Company, Kelp Blue, The Bluff Distillery Company, CH4Global Aotearoa, and Ocean Beach NZ for hosting our COIN South and NZIFST tour!

Bringing together Southland food entrepreneurs, technologists, product developers and engineering firms. It was fantastic learning about the Ocean Beach businesses, their innovation journeys and seeing the scaling up from lab to pilot and into production stage. 

08 September 2024

Big news from the deep south — Bluff Distillery’s gin has just been named Australia’s Best Dry Gin at the World Gin Awards. A huge achievement for a Southland business proving that world-class craftsmanship can come from the edge of the world.