Season 1 Recap

We are thrilled to share that season one of Our People Our Stories has helped the South Canterbury social media pages reach over 200,000 organic views. Those views weren’t paid for or promoted, they came from your genuine engagement, from likes, shares, and comments. Thank you so much for caring about our beautiful region so much! The reach went far beyond NZ, with interest from Australia, the UK, the US, Canada, Germany, South Africa, Malaysia, the Philippines, and Thailand. That kind of response confirms something we already believed: South Canterbury is a place worth talking about.

Why we made this series

Two simple motivations guided us from the start. First, we wanted to celebrate the people who make South Canterbury distinctive: The local business owners, community builders, parents, coaches, and everyday heroes whose stories often go unheard. Second, we wanted to show New Zealand, and the wider world, that South Canterbury is a great place to live, to raise a family, to start or grow a business, and to enjoy a balanced, active lifestyle.

We deliberately focused on authentic voices rather than polished promotion. That meant letting people speak plainly about their challenges and choices. The result was a season of conversations that felt practical and grounding rather than glossy.

What season one taught us

Interviewing six local contributors helped us map the strengths of our region in a few clear themes: community support, accessible lifestyle, affordable opportunity, and a strong culture of physical activity. Here are the highlights and key lessons we took away from each conversation.

Gordon Handy — Don’t be afraid to ask for advice

One line stuck with us:

“Never be scared to ask for advice.”

Gordon underlined that the problems faced by small businesses are often the same as those encountered by larger firms. What changes is scale, not the fundamentals. That means mentorship, peer networks, and practical advice are powerful shortcuts for anyone starting or growing a company here.

Shane Brookland — Lifestyle choices and natural access

Shane reminded us why South Canterbury’s geography is such an asset. From the wide Canterbury Plains to trails like Little Mount Peel, to lakes and alpine scenery in the Mackenzie area, the region gives people affordable, reachable options for getting outdoors. That accessibility makes it easier to balance work with wellbeing, and it’s a genuine draw for families and professionals considering relocation.

Gage Switalla — Young home ownership is possible

One of the most striking stories was from someone who bought a house at 20. That kind of early home ownership is rare in many parts of the country, and it highlights how affordability in this region opens doors for young people to build stability and long-term wealth sooner.

Zac Robinson — It takes a village

Zac’s experience captures the strength of South Canterbury’s social fabric. Moving without family support, he and his partner found a welcoming community and a network of friends who helped them feel at home. His story reminds us of a simple truth: strong local networks reduce isolation and raise the resilience of families.

Shaun Campbell — Sport and structured programs for all ages

Sport is more than competition; it’s community infrastructure. Nearly every sport is catered for locally, with facilities like the CBay Aquatic Centre offering professional instruction, CPlay down at Caroline Bay, Fraser Park, and much more. The Y also provides pop-up play and accessible opportunities so children and adults can try new activities without barriers.

Kate McCoy — Making physical activity accessible

Kate’s focus on inclusive programs brings another dimension to health in the region. Initiatives such as “Be Active” lifestyle programs show how practical, affordable options can help people maintain mobility and independence as they age.

Five practical takeaways for anyone considering South Canterbury

• Ask for help early. Business and personal growth accelerate when we tap into local advice and networks.
• Enjoy affordable lifestyle choices. Proximity to nature and a lower cost of living make it easier to create a balanced life.
• Young home ownership is achievable. Housing here can open pathways to financial stability for younger buyers.
• Community matters. A supportive network and accessible services make family life easier.
• Physical activity is a priority. From structured sports to targeted programs for older adults, staying active is made simple and accessible.

What to expect from season two

We’re bringing the same curiosity and local focus to season two. Expect more conversations with people who are shaping the place: entrepreneurs who are scaling smart, community organisers who solve everyday problems, families who chose to start a life here, and everyday good sorts making South Canterbury a better place.

If you want to watch the video that this article is based on, you can watch it here:

How you can join in

Stories grow when they are shared. If you value the work being done here, keep engaging in the ways that matter most: telling a neighbour, supporting local initiatives, and sharing what works. We’ll continue to spotlight local efforts and create pathways for people to connect with, learn about, and see more of SC.

We’re grateful for the enthusiasm season one generated. That enthusiasm showed us the appetite for real, locally rooted stories. As we prepare to release season two within the next month, we remain committed to amplifying voices that reflect the best of South Canterbury: resilient, resourceful, welcoming, and positive.

Thank you for being part of this conversation. We can’t wait to introduce you to the next round of people making South Canterbury an incredible place to live, to work, or to build a business.