About Southland
Southland is a vast natural playground, a diverse environment that supports a myriad of industries, lifestyles and recreational pursuits. The region includes Invercargill City, the borough of Gore and New Zealand's newest national treasure, Stewart Island/Rakiura National Park. It encompasses a total land area of 3,035,577 ha, with a population of just under 100,000.
Southland's 3400km of coast (more than any other region) provides habitat, recreation and a base for a growing marine industry, which includes marine farming and international tourism. Rivers traverse the land and spill into the mighty lakes of Te Anau, Manapouri and Hauroko, New Zealand's deepest lake.
Every year, more than a million visitors come to admire the beauty and abundance of Southland's environment from our world heritage parks, internationally recognised wetlands, our great walks and ancient forests.
Southland's Economy
Southland leads New Zealand as a primary producing region. Our clean, green market image ensures our produce is highly valued and much sought after in national and international markets. We're home to succulent Southland lamb, Bluff Oysters, melt in your mouth beef and venison and the Seriously Good Chocolate Company!
There are more than 5300 farms in the region, occupying over 85% of the total area of non-conservation land in Southland. Sheep and beef farming remains the mainstay, although there has been huge growth in the dairy industry and an increase in the number of lifestyle blocks and alternative or boutique farms emerging.
The largest non-agricultural based industry in Southland is the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter.
Visitor numbers are rising rapidly and the tourism industry has become perhaps one of the most significant new players in our economy. Southland is also becoming a popular education centre with the innovative 'Zero Fees' scheme attracting residents from all over New Zealand and in doing so, further enriching our economy and our culture.
Southland has long been a haven for innovators. There's a myriad of small and backyard industries supplying high quality goods to international niche markets - possum fur garments to New York's elite, classic and performance racing cars to Europe and America, fresh and prepared food products to the world's leading chefs.
It's our role at Environment Southland to ensure that any changes in the economy are not at the expense of our environment. We're here to ensure Southland's sustainable future.
We recognise the increasing pressures being placed on our natural resources from intensive farming and industry practises, increased recreational usage and an expanding population. We also recognise the need to provide guardianship over our natural resources and to engage the community in the on-going care and protection of our precious environment for Southlanders now and in the future.
Transport
Southland has an extensive roading network and it is relatively simple and affordable to get around the region, whatever your transportation choice. We also have a growing network of walkways and cycleways which are encouraging more Southlanders and visitors alike to consider walking or cycling as an alternative to driving.
Transporting stock is a major issue for farmers, transporters and other road users. Effluent disposal sites are located across the region. Find out more here.
Lifelines
The Lifelines project has been undertaken by Environment Southland and the three territorial authorities to look at how vulnerable our infrastructure is to different natural hazards. This is an ongoing project so check back regularly for updates.
Environment Southland is the brand name of Southland Regional Council.