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After 25 years of work, Great South general manager of strategic projects Steve Canny is retiring from his role.
Great South chairman Ian Collier said Mr Canny had helped put both Southland and New Zealand on the world stage with emerging industries and innovation.
"Steve has played an important role in advancing new opportunities for both the region and the country, working in areas such as energy and aerospace has helped place Southland at the forefront of a number of emerging industries."
His work has been recorded across multiple sectors and decades, leading to the establishment of New Zealand’s first ubiquitous regional broadband network.
He is also known for developing and managing SpaceOps New Zealand and helping guide regional regional energy planning for over 20 years.
"He was a founding member of the New Zealand hydrogen council, serving for 10 years and spending the final four years of his term as chair," Mr Collier said.
Environmentally, he had worked to establish the Hump Ridge Track as a Great Walk and undertaken climate change initiatives such as decarbonisation and reduction of greenhouse gases.
In 2017 Mr Canny was appointed as a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit along with numerous other local, national and governance awards.
Great South chief executive Chami Abeysinghe said the impact Mr Canny made could be seen across Southland.
Looking back on his career, he said contributing to the development of Southland was a highlight.
"I’ve always believed in what Southland can achieve and it’s been rewarding to see that continue to evolve."
He was looking forward to a more relaxed chapter of his life.
"Spending more time with my whānau and taking a step back while staying connected to some of the work through an advisory role with Great South." — Allied Media