South Island Election Conference 2026

The South Island has a distinct economy, a distinct geography, and distinct needs — but too often gets the same generic talking points that play in Wellington and Auckland. Not this time.

Business Canterbury, together with Chambers of Commerce across Te Wai Pounamu, is bringing together business leaders from across the South Island for a high-energy half-day conference right in the heart of the 2026 election campaign season. This is your chance to get real answers from politicians on the issues that matter here — infrastructure, workforce, and the economic opportunities unique to our region.

With party leaders at the podium, panel debates on the policies shaping our future, and a dedicated South Island infrastructure debate, this is the event that puts Te Wai Pounamu South Island firmly on the election agenda. Come ready to engage, challenge, and make your voice heard.

The programme features:

• National Party Leader's Address
• Labour Party Leader's Address
• Minor Party Leaders Panel
• Economy Panel — productivity, innovation, economic agenda, tax settings
• Workforce Panel — immigration, health & safety, industrial relations, education
• South Island Infrastructure Debate

Early bird tickets available to 30 June 2026.

TICKETS:

Business Canterbury and Association Members

Early bird Individual - $95 + GST

Early bird Table 10 - $950 + GST

Individual - $120 + GST

Table of 10 - $1200 + GST

Non-Member

Early bird Individual - $145 + GST

Early bird Table of 10 - $1450 + GST

Individual - $170 + GST

Table of 10 - $1700 + GST

Includes morning tea and light lunch.

Please note: table layout is subject to change based on final guest numbers.

EVENT MANAGER:

Holly Andrews [email protected]

Proudly supported by:

ADDITIONAL EVENT INFORMATION:

If you have booked a table, once your booking is complete please add your attendee names for your table when you have them. We require a First and Last name and Company name if applicable. An email address is also required as a default setting, you can use your email address here.

To add this information go to your Confirmation Email select 'Go to My Tickets' and use the edit pencil on the right hand side against each seat, to add your attendee details. Then save. You can go back and do this at any time.

REGISTERING:

When you register for an event you will be prompted to create a profile on Eventbrite. Please make sure you use your work/company email when you create your profile so that your Eventbrite account will sync with your account in The Chamber's new website portal. Also please make sure details entererd are spelt correctly!

Note: For paid events when you enter your details - under the Registration Type & Tax Receipt Information section - please select 'Individual'. The 'Business' option will ask you for your IRD number.

Disclaimer: Please also note by registering for this event, you agree to receive communications from Business Canterbury regarding its products, services, and related updates. Your contact information will be used solely for these purposes and will not be shared with third parties. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time by following the unsubscribe instructions in our privacy policy.

It will also be taken as acceptance that your image, name, or voice may be included in publications after the event. No personal details will be shared or printed without prior consent.

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