A Southland initiative to provide local businesses with a chance to contribute to the rebuilding of Christchurch could be one Dunedin could follow.
Southland businesses are being asked to register for the Southern Supply Initiative presentation on August 27 to learn more about the issues, opportunities and challenges for Canterbury.
Canterbury Employers Chamber of Commerce chief executive Peter Townsend will present his view on the rebuilding, discuss the recent launch of the Christchurch blueprint and identify the issues, opportunities and challenges ahead.
Other speakers include Otago-Southland Employers Association chief executive John Scandrett, Southland Chamber of Commerce chief executive Richard Hay, Westpac commercial manager Dave Anderson, Arrow international branch manager Nick Hamlin, Southern Institute of Technology chief executive Penny Simmonds and Ministry of Social Development regional commissioner John Allen.
Otago Chamber of Commerce president Peter McIntyre said the speakers were key people in a wide sector of industries involved in the rebuilding.
"As an initiative, it is the right thing to be doing and could be a catalyst for us in the future," he said.
Venture Southland chief executive Paul Casson said that since the first earthquake in 2010, Southland businesses had offered their support to Christchurch both as sub-contractors and individuals. Many people had moved to Christchurch.
"Rather than sending tradespeople to Christchurch, we should, instead, explore opportunities to send building and structural components.
"This has been named the Southland Supply Initiative."
For Southland, the collaboration with Christchurch would offer an opportunity for local businesses to contribute to the biggest rebuilding in New Zealand's history, he said.
Together with economic benefits for Southland and ultimately New Zealand through increased employment, it could also encourage skill-based training opportunities for youth and apprenticeships for the future, Mr Casson said.
