venture southland

Venture Southland is a joint initiative of the Invercargill City Council, Southland District Council and Gore District Council. Venture Southland delivers Enterprise, Tourism, Promotion, Events and Community Development services to the region. 

Established in July 2001, Venture Southland's unique model is known throughout New Zealand as a positive example of regional co-ordination and co-operation. Venture is funded through contributions from the Invercargill City, Southland District and Gore District Councils and the Community Trust of Southland.

Corporate Governance

The Joint Committee is responsible for establishing and maintaining a comprehensive strategy for the co-ordinated enterprise, tourism and community development of Southland.

Venture Southland Board

Venture Southland is a Special Joint Committee of the Invercargill City and Southland District Councils each of which appoint their Mayor, two Councillors and two business sector members, and Gore District Council who appoint their Mayor and a Councillor.

Committee members are appointed every three years following local authority elections. The Joint Committee is responsible for establishing priorities and implementing a comprehensive strategy for the co-ordinated development of Southland. The Joint Committee is established under a Heads of Agreement, with an initial term of five years from the 1 June 2001. The Joint Committee is a legal entity under Schedule 7 Section 30 of the Local Government Act 2002 (previously Section 114S of the Local Government Act 1974).