Leeann Watson: Business Canterbury CEO on business leaders' call to back the South Island as a driver of New Zealand's growth

South Island business leaders want to be recognised as the engine room of New Zealand's economy.  The eight chambers of commerce have launched a joint manifesto, representing around seven thousand businesses.  It calls for policies to lift productivity, with a goal of increasing South Island GDP per capita to at least $130 thousand by 2035.  Business Canterbury CEO Leeann Watson told Mike Hosking it shows there's great alignment across the South Island.  She says if New Zealand wants stronger productivity, higher incomes, and greater resilience, backing the South Island is the smartest investment.  LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.