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Southland (Maori: Murihiku) is the name of New Zealand's southernmost region and is also the name of a district within that region.
History
Originally part of Otago Province, Southland Province (a small part of the present Region, centred on Invercargill) was one of the provinces of New Zealand from 1861 until 1870. It rejoined Otago Province due to financial difficulties, and the provinces were abolished entirely in 1876.
Structure
A map showing population density in the Southland Region at the 2006 census.
Settlements
Southland's two principal urban settlements are the city of Invercargill and the town of Gore. Southland covers an area of 28,681 square kilometres. In the 2001 census it had a population of 91,002 people, down 6,096 from the 1996 census, making it one of New Zealand's most sparsely populated areas. The sizable western part Fiordland is almost empty of permanent human ihabitation.
Representation
Southland is divided into two parliamentary electorates. The large rural electorate of Clutha-Southland, held by Bill English, also includes some of the neighbouring Otago Region. The seat of Invercargill is held by Eric Roy. Both are members of the opposition National Party.
Local government
Regional responsibilities are handled by the Southland Regional Council (Environment Southland). Three Territorial Local Authorities fall entirely within Southland. The Invercargill City Council governs Invercargill itself, together with some adjoining rural areas. Much of the remaining area of Southland, including all of Stewart Island, falls within the Southland District, which is administered by its own Council, also based in Invercargill. The Gore District Council administers the town of the same name and its rural hinterland.
National parks and tourism
The region is home to Fiordland National Park which covers 7,860 square kilometres. Southland also includes Stewart Island, much of which is set aside as Rakiura National Park.
Tourism spending is a major factor of the Southland economy, with NZ$ 368 million being spent by visitors in 2003, of which NZ$ 92 was spent in the Fiordland area.[1]
See also
References
External links
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