Southland
Southland –Spirit of a Nationsee 'The
Encyclopedia of Southland' link here..
Southland as the name suggests, is the southern most province in
New Zealand, with its hub city ‘Invercargill’ being the southern
most city in the world. The climate is mild, with a mid-range
average annual rain fall of 1072 millimeters and a day time climate
average of 18.5° in January, to 9.5° in July. As at the last census
(2006) the population of the greater Southland region was 90,873
with Invercargill being 50,328.
The geography of Southland is vast, stretching from Bluff on the
East Coast to Queenstown a 2.5 hour drive to the North West. The
province contains some of the most distinctive landscapes in New
Zealand from high mountain areas to glaciated valleys, fiords to
beaches, extensive grasslands and rolling plains, to islands and
forests. The richness of the land together with the available
activities makes the province substantially economic with a
desirable lifestyle and enjoyable cost of living.
Southland is rich in raw materials, with the most extensive coal
deposits (approx 65%) in the country. Large clay, peat and
limestone deposits are also present along with a range of metallic
and non-metallic minerals. The high quality soils on the plains and
lower hill country, are ideally suited to intensive grazing,
cropping, horticulture and forestry production. As a result,
Southland yields are generally higher than the rest of New
Zealand.
While farming has traditionally formed the regions
economic base, Southland is home to a diversity of manufacturing,
75% of which is exported. Large industry includes the Aluminium
Smelter at Tiwai, the Fonterra export plant at Edendale and the
Congwha Patinna Fibreboard Plant at Mataura. Boat building ranges
from pleasure craft to passenger and tourist vessels. 
Clothing manufacturing is based on the plentiful
supply of local pelts and includes high class outdoor apparel.
There are several niche market operations in Southland including
classic car and aircraft restoration.
Fishing is also a significant industry being concentrated around
Stewart Island, Riverton, Milford and Waikawa. 
The fishing fleet is made up of small to medium sized
vessels with the main fishing methods being crayfish and cod
potting, dredging, trawling and handline. There are many fish
species, from wet fish to crayfish, paua, shark and squid, all
having commercial value. The oyster beds of Foveaux Strait between
the mainland and Stewart Island are a major resource. Salmon and
mussel farming are established industries on the Island and oyster
and scallop farming is increasing.
Links:
Venture
Southland
Southland Sprit of the
Nation
Southland District
Council
Invercargill City
Council
Gore District Council
Printer Friendly Page 
