Advocacy in Action: Strengthening Canterbury Business Together
Over the past year, we’ve seen the power of Canterbury businesses speaking with a united voice. Together, we’ve influenced decisions that matter — from local issues affecting day-to-day operations through to national policy settings that shape the long-term future of our region.
With more than 2,700 members behind us, Business Canterbury has been able to take real-world business challenges into the rooms where decisions are made, ensuring the business perspective is not only heard, but understood. This is advocacy in action — practical, persistent, and focused on outcomes that matter for businesses on the ground.
✅ What Advocacy Means for you
Advocacy is about much more than written submissions, important as those are. It’s about building trusted relationships, being at the table early, and influencing decisions before they become policy. Our advocacy work combines formal submissions with regular engagement with Ministers, government officials, councils, and agencies, ensuring Canterbury’s voice is present throughout the decision-making process.
This year has been defined by collaboration and momentum. We’ve championed practical solutions, supported productivity and growth, and worked alongside decision-makers to cut through complexity and improve outcomes for business. From transport and infrastructure to workforce, regulation, and competitiveness, member insights have guided our advocacy at every step.
- Building stronger relationships with government officials so Canterbury’s voice is heard at the earliest stages of policy development and reform.
- Increasing direct engagement with Ministers, both in Canterbury and in Wellington, creating more opportunities for your perspectives to be shared directly with decision-makers.
- Strengthening our internal advocacy capability, with a dedicated executive leadership role focused on advocacy and strategy, alongside our CEO.
- Elevating Canterbury’s role in national economic conversations and positioning local businesses at the centre of South Island and New Zealand-wide policy discussions.
- Taking a targeted and purposeful approach to the key barriers and drivers of business opportunity.
🏆 Wins and Highlights
Supporting a strong, resilient local economy has been a core focus of our advocacy. Over the past year, we’ve worked to keep Canterbury businesses at the heart of decision-making by supporting initiatives that drive regional growth, champion innovation, and encourage investment. The examples below show how this work has translated into practical outcomes.
Transport and Infrastructure
We’ve advocated for improvements to key transport corridors and for investment that eases congestion, supports freight efficiency, and strengthens regional connectivity for businesses. Examples include feedback on the proposed tolling of the Woodend Bypass and submissions on the Government Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024–34.
Workforce and Skills
By engaging with training providers, councils, and government, we’ve raised awareness of workforce challenges and supported initiatives that help build a more skilled and adaptable workforce across the region. Examples include engagement on employment law reform and direct correspondence with Ministers on workplace issues.
Regulation and Compliance
We’ve championed regulatory settings that make it easier to do business while maintaining appropriate standards for communities and the environment. This includes submissions on proposed legislation, policy reviews, and ongoing feedback to decision-makers to improve how regulation works in practice. Examples include work on retail payment system reforms and regulatory amendments affecting employers.
🌐 Collaboration That Counts
Every conversation, submission, and meeting has been informed by the voices of our members. This collaboration is what makes our advocacy effective — because it’s grounded in the real challenges and opportunities businesses across Canterbury face every day.
By bringing member perspectives directly to those shaping policy, we’re able to ensure decisions are informed by evidence, experience, and practical insight, rather than theory alone.
🎯 Targeted Action on the Issues That Matter Most
Our advocacy priorities this year were guided by what businesses told us matters most. These included:
-
Health and safety reform
-
Holidays Act reform
-
Procurement policy and rules
-
Immigration settings
-
Local government reform
-
Highlighting the role of Canterbury businesses in the New Zealand economy
Each of these areas represents an opportunity to remove friction, improve certainty, and support businesses to grow and invest with confidence.
Looking Ahead
The progress made this year demonstrates the real value of a strong, credible business voice. Whether influencing policy direction, improving infrastructure outcomes, or shaping reforms that affect day-to-day operations, these outcomes reflect the collective effort of Canterbury’s business community.
Looking ahead to 2026, our focus remains on practical advocacy that supports productivity, resilience, and long-term growth. We look forward to continuing to work hard on your behalf and to championing the issues that matter most to Canterbury businesses.
Thank you to every member who has lent their voice this year. Your insights, honesty, and engagement are central to our advocacy — and together, we’re helping shape a stronger, more competitive Canterbury.
We look forward to working alongside you again in the year ahead.
📰 Stay Informed. Stay Engaged.
We are at our best when members are engaged in the advocacy process. We invite you to stay connected, share your perspective, and be part of shaping the business environment of tomorrow.
Our Submissions & Policy Work |
Media Commentary & Coverage |
Stay up to date via email |
|
Explore our submissions, open letters, business priorities, and policy documents. |
Driving the conversation for Canterbury businesses. |
Our fortnightly CEO update with key news and updates. |
 |
 |
 |
|
Sign up to receive The Latest Word → |
