Southland
Southland –Spirit of a Nation
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 in 2001, the population of the greater Southland region was 91,900, with Invercargill being 49,600. 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:
Southlands economic profile
Venture Southland
Southland Sprit of the Nation
Southland tourism
Southland District Council
Invercargill City Council
Gore District Council
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