Speaking at the regional Deloitte Fast 50 awards, Mr Horne said companies in the South had gone on to significant success.
There had been a high-technology hub develop in New Zealand.
In Dunedin and Queenstown, there was an emergence of new businesses with adventurous entrepreneurs combining the lifestyle advantages of living in southern New Zealand while still accessing a global marketplace.
Growth provided options and opportunities and the concept of growth should not be undersold, he said.
The malaise of much of the developed world was down to stagnant, low-growth economies. The following high employment, youth and social disengagement was a huge challenge.
The growth in New Zealand had is own challenges in terms of housing, infrastructure and the environment.
"While these shouldn’t be undersold, this position nonetheless provides far more appealing opportunities and rewards if we get it right.
"This is reinforced locally where we are seeing a real lift in business confidence," he said.
Looking ahead 10 years, there was a construction and infrastructure investment programme across the region that would provide potential for individual businesses and key public institutions to shape the future of the communities and services they accessed, Mr Horne said.
It was not just about one industry, sector or part of the region "absolutely shining".
There was widespread strength in construction, forestry, technology, tourism and a rebounding agri-sector.
The importance of capability and execution could not be overemphasised, he said.
"Fast growth and success isn’t just about riding a rising tide, but being single-minded and having ambition focus, a drive to succeed and being nimble in decision-making," Mr Horne told those present.
This year, Deloitte had introduced the Master of Growth award into the Fast 50 programme to recognise the enduring success of Kiwi businesses experiencing sustained growth over an extended period.
The inaugural Dunedin and Lower South Island Master of Growth was New Zealand Sotheby’s International Reality.
The judging notes said Sotheby’s was devoted to creating premium results for its vendors through the world’s best agents, real estate marketing, distribution and exposure.
Other regional winners Fast 50 were. — Fastest growing services business: JFS which provides residential and commercial plasterboard and installation, stopping and interior and exterior painting to its customers.
Fastest growing technology business: Timely, an appointment scheduling and business management company providing software to a range of businesses.
Fastest growing manufacturer: MAXRaft, New Zealand’s only supplier of insulated foundations.
Fastest growing retail or consumer products business: Salmac Insulation which provides high quality insulation services and asbestos removal within the greater Dunedin area.
Fastest growing exporter and agribusiness: Blue River Dairy LP, a Southland company providing sheep milk products to the market.
Rising star: Wherewolf, a company building software for adventure tourism businesses to manage guests from arrival to departure, eliminating paperwork and helping acquire new customers.
One to watch: Tussock Innovation, a fast-tracking internet of things design company.
