CareerFest Southland connects people with career and training opportunities from across New Zealand. For many years, Dave McKissock of Southern Directionz led this annual event, establishing it as a key fixture in the region’s career calendar. In 2024, he passed the reins to Great South, which now delivers CareerFest each year as part of our broader work supporting youth and regional workforce development.
Through our Southland Youth Futures Programme, Great South has connected thousands of Southland students with employers, industries, and training providers. Delivering CareerFest builds on this work—bringing together students, schools, whānau, and industry to create lasting pathways into employment.
CareerFest is a central part of our efforts to strengthen regional connections, showcase Southland’s opportunities, and help the next generation step confidently into the future.