The Blue Wave – Why the South Island Requires Focus.

While Auckland gains political attention through successive governments and lobbying, overlooking the South Island would be a mistake. The mainland remains vital to New Zealand’s future and deserves priority too.

Home to over 1 million Kiwis, the South Island boasts thriving urban centres like Christchurch, Dunedin, Nelson and Queenstown and awesome towns in between. These urban centres drive growth through tourism, education, lifestyle appeal and primary industries.

As the largest city in the South Island, the second largest in New Zealand, Christchurch contributes greatly to our economy, culture and natural environment. The city continues in our enormous rebuild and renewal after the devastating 2011 earthquakes. Major investments like the Metro Sports Facility, Stadium, Convention Centre, parks, walkways and more showcase Christchurch’s drive to be a world-class city again. These significant city led infrastructure projects and investments are creating jobs and bringing people back into our greater region.

Beyond Christchurch the South Island can lead New Zealand’s transition to renewable energy. The mainland’s consistently windy coastline provides ideal conditions for wind farms energy generation. The Southern Alps offer massive hydro storage potential through schemes like pumped hydro. The East Coast’s sunny climate suits large-scale solar power. The West Coast has untapped environmental and water potential.

Realising these renewable opportunities would benefit all Kiwis through more clean energy and lower emissions. The mainland could generate electricity to meet South Island needs, export surpluses north and serve as the nation’s green battery which benefits all New Zealand.

The South Island makes a broader economic contribution too. Exports in agriculture, fisheries, forestry, manufacturing and minerals bring in vital overseas funds. Yet government infrastructure spending has long focused on Auckland and Wellington.

While rail investments like Auckland’s City Rail Link are welcomed, proportional funding for South Island transport infrastructure is needed. Projects such as the pumped hydro, Christchurch rapid transit, Dunedin hospital rebuild, resilience connecting our coasts, river flood resilience, regional rail, housing and others deserve support.

Auckland's large population means it does require significant infrastructure investment, pursuing balanced regional development across New Zealand should also be a priority. The South Island makes an outsized contribution to national GDP relative to its smaller population. It holds 56% of the total New Zealand land area with so much room to grow. Growth opportunities are not limited to our largest city - they exist across the country.

New Zealand's diverse regional economies have differing opportunities and challenges. Policy solutions need to be tailored to get the best outcomes, rather than imposing one-size-fits-all approaches.

Appointing a Minister for the South Island would provide welcomed representation on South-specific issues within Cabinet. Regular ministerial visits to Christchurch and other southern cities would also aid understanding and show commitment that the South Island is important to this government. Auckland is not the only city in New Zealand that will benefit from a ‘city deal’.

The South Island has untapped potential across renewable energy, infrastructure and the economy. Realising this promise through strategic investments and support will benefit the entire country. The mainland stands ready to contribute, if given its fair share of attention and funding.

Kia kaha te Waka a Māui – let the South Island canoe sail on strongly.