13 Facts About Southland Region

Under the influence of Menzies, Southland Province seceded from Otago in 1861 following the escalation of political tensions.

However, rising debt forced Southland Region to rejoin Otago in 1870, and the province was abolished entirely when the Abolition of the Provinces Act came into force on 1 November 1876.

Now, Edendale is the site of the world's largest raw milk-processing plant, and Southland Region's economy is based on agriculture, tourism, fishing, forestry, coal, and hydropower.

Under the Maori electorates system, Southland Region is part of the large Te Tai Tonga electorate which covers the entire South Island and the surrounding islands, and is currently held by the Labour Party MP Rino Tirikatene.

In 2001, three authorities created the joint initiative agency Venture Southland which is the agency responsible for the region's economic and community development initiatives and tourism promotion.

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Southland Region is home to two national parks: Fiordland National Park and Rakiura National Park.

Politically, Southland Region proper extends from Fiordland in the west past the Mataura River to the Catlins the east.

The highest peak in Southland Region is Mount Tutoko, which is part of the Darran mountains.

The largest lake in Southland Region is Lake Te Anau followed by Lake Manapouri which both lie within the boundaries of Fiordland National Park.

Weather conditions in Southland are cooler than the other regions of New Zealand due to its distance from the Equator.

Southland Region's economy is based on agriculture, tourism, fishing, forestry and energy resources like coal and hydropower.

Southland Region has the world's largest raw milk-processing plant at the town of Edendale which was established by Fonterra.

Eastern Southland Region has significant deposits of lignite which are considered to be New Zealand's biggest fossil fuel energy resource.