The Beyond 2025 Southland Plan has received the Best Practice for Integrated Strategy award at the 2023 Economic Development New Zealand Best Practice Awards held in Hamilton on 26th October.

The Plan, commissioned by Southland Just Transition Enduring Oversight Group's (EOG) and facilitated by Great South, was publicly presented on 28th June after 18 months of consultation with community groups, organisations, businesses, iwi and agencies.

Beyond 2025 Southland Project Lead, Bobbi Brown said that while she was delighted to accept the award on behalf of the project team, the real honour was planning for the region’s future.

“To me, when it comes to long-term planning, there isn’t a greater honour than being able to plan for and support the future of the place you proudly call home."

"This award is testament to the commitment, hard mahi, expertise, and passion of the project team, and to the support and enthusiasm received from the Murihiku Southland community, mana whenua, local councils, and government agencies,” Brown said.

Great South Chief Executive Chami Abeysinghe,said the plan provided a foundation from which opportunities could be embraced and the most appropriate use of resources to look after our people and place.

"I am delighted that this work facilitated by Great South has been highlighted and for the inspiration it may provide to other regions in their approach to planning for the future,” she said.