Your Advocacy Hub
Explore Business Canterbury’s advocacy work in one place
Media Commentary & Coverage
As a trusted voice for business, Business Canterbury provides expert commentary on the issues shaping our region and the nation. Through our media engagement, we amplify member perspectives, influence policy debates, and ensure the business voice is heard in key public discussions.
*This is live, evolving resource – additional media coverage and advocacy highlights will continue to be added...
Business Canterbury is calling for election-year certainty, bipartisan alignment, and continued investment in infrastructure and regulation that supports growth and innovation...
We welcome RMA reforms that make planning more efficient, cut costs, and provide consistency while protecting the environment...
Canterbury firms expect stronger economic conditions and improved financial performance, though confidence to absorb disruption has softened...
The retail scene has been changing for over a decade, with the shift to online shopping, accelerated by COVID, continuing to challenge traditional bricks-and-mortar businesses…
Clear, stable policy and smarter immigration settings are vital to secure the workforce and confidence businesses need to grow…
Christchurch’s revitalised city centre reflects innovation and resilience, with unique experiences driving a strong urban recovery…
We’re concerned that only 6% of the $1.2 billion national roads investment is going to the South Island...
Christchurch has climbed the ranks to become New Zealand’s most liveable city, thanks to a mix of strong infrastructure, cultural amenities, and green spaces that make daily life convenient and enjoyable...
Canterbury businesses remain upbeat, with 65% expecting the local economy to strengthen over the next year, 55% planning to hire staff, and 79% confident in their ability to manage disruption…
Confidence has softened, but Canterbury’s business community remains resilient with optimism for recovery later in the year...
Calls for clarity and fairness in the long-criticised Holidays Act continue, with businesses hoping for simpler, more practical rules that reduce compliance burdens and reflect modern work practices…
Business Canterbury has consistently advocated for reform, so we’re pleased to see real progress finally being made...
Canterbury’s rising unemployment as caution, not crisis, with stable businesses and slow recovery likely to improve later in the year...
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We want clear, consistent machine safety rules so businesses can protect workers, and current government reforms show potential progress...
We see councils as key to local economic growth, acting as enablers with clear, consistent decisions to support businesses and attract investment...
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Canterbury’s business confidence is softening due to higher costs and weak demand, though major projects and strong sectors like agriculture should help support the economy...
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Canterbury manufacturing is resilient with some businesses thriving, others surviving, and many planning to hire or invest in new equipment...
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CEO Leeann Watson says NZ exporters are right to worry as US trade policy is unpredictable, but current impacts are limited and opportunities exist...
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Interest rate cuts provide a welcome lift… but effects take time to reach the wider economy, with consumer confidence and demand yet to follow…
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Minister & Senior Official Engagements
Our team has been working closely with Ministers, MPs and senior officials to ensure Canterbury business priorities remain front and centre. These engagements allow us to bring real issues forward, influence policy conversations and strengthen relationships across government.
Here is a look at who we have connected with over the past year...
- Internal Affairs - Minister
- Workplace Relations and Safety - Minister
- MP for Mana
- Spokesperson for Finance and Economy, Savings and Investment
- Leader of the New Zealand Labour Party
- MP for Remutaka
- Spokesperson for Ministerial Services, National Security and Intelligence
- Prime Minister - Minister
- National Security and Intelligence - Minister
- Ministerial Services - Minister Responsible
- Building and Construction - Minister
- Land Information - Minister
- Small Business and Manufacturing - Minister
- Veterans - Minister
- Defence - Associate Minister
- Immigration - Associate Minister
- Deputy Prime Minister
- Regulation - Minister
- Education - Associate Minister
- Finance - Associate Minister
- Health - Associate Minister
- Justice - Associate Minister
- MP for Mana
- Spokesperson for Finance and Economy, Savings and Investment
- Hunting and Fishing - Minister
- Youth - Minister
- South Island - Minister
- Transport - Associate Minister
- Attorney-General
- Defence - Minister
- Digitising Government - Minister
- Public Service - Minister
- GCSB - Minister Responsible
- NZSIS - Minister Responsible
- Space - Minister
- MP for Wigram
- Spokesperson for Manufacturing and Industry, Energy and Resources, Associate Finance
- Trade and Investment - Minister of State
- Women - Minister
- Agriculture - Associate Minister
- ACC - Associate Minister
- Finance - Minister
- Economic Growth - Minister
- Social Investment - Minister
- MP for Te Atatū
- Spokesperson for Immigration, Disarmament and Arms Control, Associate Foreign Affairs
- ACC - Minister
- Commerce and Consumer Affairs - Minister
- Oceans and Fisheries - Minister
- Regional Development - Minister
- Resources - Minister
- Finance - Associate Minister
- Energy - Associate Minister
- Health - Minister
- State Owned Enterprises - Minister
- Auckland - Minister
- Foreign Affairs - Minister
- Racing - Minister
- Rail - Minister
