Your Advocacy Hub
Explore Business Canterbury’s advocacy work in one place
CHALLENGES
- Relatively low budget for design, implementation and marketing
- 8-week time constraint for the whole project
- Website must match existing digital corporate identity
- Website should be deeply integrated into the HubSpot solution
- Design & development from scratch is not feasible
- Customer would like to be able to edit content and structure
- Website must be implemented in three languages
- Webdesign must match modern design standards
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Our Business Advocacy
How We Advocate for Our Members
There is strength in numbers, and with more than 2,700 members, Business Canterbury is a strong voice for business.
Our advocacy programme ensures members’ views are represented in policy and decision-making at both local and national levels, aiming to remove barriers and create an environment that enables innovation, growth and productivity.
Discover more about our advocacy work programme here
Get Involved
Your input matters. Be part of the conversation, share your insights, engage with our surveys, and help shape Canterbury’s business environment.
Email us at taitd@businesscanterbury.co.nz to share your feedback or any issues you’d like us to be aware of.
Keep Informed
Sign up to receive The Latest Word, our fortnightly update with the latest business news and advocacy developments.
Submissions & Policy Work
This is where we bring your voice to the table. Explore submissions, open letters, business priorities, and policy documents — all part of the work we do on your behalf to shape policy, remove barriers, and create an environment where Canterbury businesses can grow, innovate and thrive.
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All
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Submission
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Central Government
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Regulation & Compliance
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Business Priorities
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Local Government
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Elections
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Infrastructure
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Transport
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Workplace & Employment
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Energy
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Letters
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Health & Safety
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Open Letter
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Crime & Anti-Social Behaviour
OCT 2025 | Retail Payment System Amendment Bill
Joint submission with Business Central and Business SouthDOWNLOAD PDF →SEP 2025 | Local Government Expectations for Elections 2025
DOWNLOAD PDF →SEP 2025 | Feedback on Proposed Tolling of Woodend Bypass
DOWNLOAD PDF →AUG 2025 | Employment Relations Amendment Bill
Joint submission with Business SouthDOWNLOAD PDF →JUL 2025 | Letter to Hon Simon Watts: Rising Energy Costs for Business
DOWNLOAD PDF →JUL 2025 | Letter to Hon Brooke van Velden: Employment Advocates
DOWNLOAD PDF →JUN 2025 | Letter to IRD Commissioner: ED0265 Mutual Transactions
DOWNLOAD PDF →MAR 2025 | CCC Draft Annual Plan 2025-26
DOWNLOAD PDF →OCT 2024 | Feedback on the work health and safety regulatory system
DOWNLOAD PDF →SEP 2024 | Regional Economic Ambition Report
DOWNLOAD PDF →APR 2024 | CCC Draft Long Term Plan 2024-34
DOWNLOAD PDF →APR 2024 | Govt Draft Policy Statement on Land Transport 2024-34
DOWNLOAD PDF →OCT 2023 | Briefing for Incoming Government following General Elections 2023
DOWNLOAD PDF →APR 2023 | Business Expectations of Local Government 2022-2025
DOWNLOAD PDF →NOV 2022 | Open letter on crime and anti-social behaviour in Canterbury
DOWNLOAD PDF →MAY 2022 | Fair Pay Agreement Bill
DOWNLOAD PDF →Media Commentary & Coverage
Canterbury and South Island

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...

Canterbury’s rising unemployment as caution, not crisis, with stable businesses and slow recovery likely to improve later in the year...
READ MORE
We see councils as key to local economic growth, acting as enablers with clear, consistent decisions to support businesses and attract investment...
READ MORE
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...
READ MORE
Canterbury manufacturing is resilient with some businesses thriving, others surviving, and many planning to hire or invest in new equipment...
READ MORENew Zealand Economy

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…

CEO Leeann Watson says NZ exporters are right to worry as US trade policy is unpredictable, but current impacts are limited and opportunities exist...
READ MORE
Interest rate cuts provide a welcome lift… but effects take time to reach the wider economy, with consumer confidence and demand yet to follow…
READ MOREPolicy and Regulation

We want clear, consistent machine safety rules so businesses can protect workers, and current government reforms show potential progress...

Business Canterbury has consistently advocated for reform, so we’re pleased to see real progress finally being made...
READ MORE
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…
LISTEN NOWAs 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 be added soon...


