| 25 Creating a ‘dyamic hub of excellence’ Southland: Southland Chamber of Commerce REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT “Through Engage, we will promote career pathways for youth in trades, as well as support businesses with access to R&D, automation, and export services, and serve as a facilitator connecting them with the right people.” Engage, formerly known as the Southland Engineering and Manufacturing Cluster, is set to redefine Southland’s industrial landscape with its ambitious initiative. Dedicated to fostering collaboration among local engineering and manufacturing firms, as well as inspiring youth to pursue trades careers, Engage represents a beacon of opportunity and innovation for the south. Formed as part of the government funded Just Transition body of work to build and diversify Southlands economic, environmental and social resilience, Engage is on a path to reshape the engineering and manufacturing industry. “Our goal with Engage is clear,” says Brendan Gray, General Manager of Engage. “We aim to create a dynamic hub of excellence within Southland’s industry. Through Engage, we will promote career pathways for youth in trades, as well as support businesses with access to R&D, automation, and export services, and serve as a facilitator connecting them with the right people.” From left, HunterNet CEO Ivan Waterfield and Engage board members Michelle Henderson, GM Brendan Gray, Dean Addie and Chris Hughes. cant boost to the local engineering sector. However, Gray comments, “We must not sit on our laurels; diversification remains essential to supercharge the engineering industry.” Engage will continue to drive innovation and collaboration, ensuring that Southland’s industrial landscape remains resilient and vibrant for generations to come. “These businesses rely heavily on the smelter at present, so through Engage we can widen their horizons, encourage businesses to collaborate, seek tender opportunities outside the Southland region, perhaps even internationally, and reduce the economic reliance on the smelter,” says Gray. As Southland prepares for this transformative journey, Engage invites businesses, educators, and aspiring tradespeople to join forces in shaping a prosperous future for the region. Through continued collaboration and a commitment to excellence, Engage is poised to lead Southland into a new era of industrial vitality. One of Engage’s key strategies involves partnering with HunterNet, an established cooperative in Newcastle, Australia, with over three decades of success. This partnership marks a significant milestone, as Ivan Waterfield of HunterNet recently bestowed Engage with an honorary membership, solidifying them as HunterNet’s first International Cooperative Partner outside of Australia. “Our collaboration with HunterNet opens doors for unprecedented information sharing and international cooperation,” Gray continues. “It positions Engage at the forefront of innovation, attracting global attention and paving the way for transformative growth in Southland.” The Engage vision extends beyond immediate business interests to community impact and economic resilience. By nurturing local talent and attracting new industries, Engage aims to establish Southland as a beacon of industrial excellence, capable of meeting global demands and driving sustainable growth. Southland has the largest number of engineering firms per head of capita than any other region in New Zealand, and this is in part due to the Tiwai Aluminium Smelter. The recent 20-year power agreement for the smelter, ensuring its operations continue in Southland for the next two decades, creates renewed confidence for organisations throughout the region and provides a signifi-
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