South Island Election Conference 2026

DIRECT POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
Hear directly from political leaders and challenge them on the issues impacting South Island businesses.

SOUTH ISLAND FOCUS
A dedicated discussion on the infrastructure, workforce and economic priorities specific to our region.

HIGH-VALUE NETWORKING
Connect with senior business leaders from across the South Island.

ELECTION -YEAR RELEVANCE
Gain insight into the policies, priorities and economic direction that could shape the years ahead.

Why this event matters

This is a focused half-day conference bringing together South Island business leaders, political representatives, and sector voices ahead of the 2026 General Election.

Attendees will hear from speakers during panel discussions on the economy and workforce, along with a dedicated debate on infrastructure priorities and challenges across the South Island.

What you’ll get:

Keynote addresses from major political party representatives
A dedicated South Island infrastructure debate
Insight into how national policy may impact regional business
Opportunities to connect with senior business leaders across the South Island
A shared lunch with peers and decision-makers

Our line-up

All major political parties will be represented at the conference, with participating representatives and sector leaders will be announced in the lead-up to the conference.

ACT New Zealand

Green Party
of Aotearoa New Zealand

New Zealand First

New Zealand Labour Party

New Zealand National Party

Event Programme

The programme outlines the key discussions shaping the South Island economy and the decisions that will matter most in the 2026 General Election. This programme is subject to change.

9.30am

On Arrival - Tea, Coffee & Networking

10.00am

• Welcome and Introductions

• National Party Leader's Address – Rt Hon Christopher Luxon

• Economy Panel – Productivity, innovation, economic agenda, tax settings (ACT, Labour, National, NZ First)

11.00am

Morning Tea Break

11.30am

• Labour Party Leader's Address – Rt Hon Chris Hipkins

• Workforce Panel – Immigration, health & safety, industrial relations, education (ACT, Labour, National, NZ First)

• South Island Infrastructure Debate (Labour & National)