92-536: Waikiwi is a suburb of Invercargill , Southland , New Zealand. Invercargill is the southernmost city of New Zealand. The New Zealand Ministry for Culture and Heritage gives a translation of " kiwi waters" for Waikiwi . Waikiwi lies on the northern edge of Invercargill. It is bounded on the west by the Ohai Industrial Line and on the south by the Waihopai River . There is farmland to
184-590: A schism between the Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland . In 1852, James Menzies , leader of the Southland separatist movement, became the first Superintendent of the tiny Southland electorate which was still part of the large Otago region. Under the influence of Menzies, Southland Province (a small part of the present Region, centred on Invercargill ) seceded from Otago in 1861 following
276-592: A "Māori house" had to be built in 1881 to accommodate them when they travelled from Ruapuke and Stewart Island to Bluff to sell produce. On 10 June 1840, Tūhawaiki , a paramount chief of Kāi Tahu, signed the Treaty of Waitangi aboard HMS Herald at Ruapuke. Aware that this treaty did not guarantee him sovereignty over his land he had previously asserted that he would sign it if those bringing it to him would sign one he had prepared himself. In 1853, Walter Mantell purchased Murihiku from local Māori iwi, claiming
368-422: A fine favour by Alex Lithgow who named his famous march after his boyhood home. The Invercargill March is possibly the best advertisement the town has ever had as the work is a brass-band favourite and the word 'Invercargill' is whispered amongst audiences worldwide. There is only one Invercargill in the world – this one". When Invercargill hosted the national brass band contest in 1909, Alex's brother Tom asked for
460-547: A group of women gathered together in the Don Street Primitive Methodist Church to form a local branch of the Woman's Christian Temperance Union . Eliza Ann Brown , wife of Charles W. Brown (who that same year co-founded the local Independent Order of Rechabites ), led the group to establish eight main objectives, which included gathering signatures for a petition for women's suffrage. This was
552-472: A large indoor sports complex located at Surrey Park . For horse racing aficionados there is a racecourse in the aptly named Racecourse Road, on the east side of the city. Two motorcycle speedway tracks are located within 1 kilometre of each other, and 10 kilometres west from the centre of the city by Oreti Beach. The Oreti Park Speedway and the Riverside Speedway both host important events,
644-584: A long expanse of sand stretching from the Sandy Point area to nearby Riverton . Invercargill has a temperate oceanic climate . The mean daily temperature ranges from 5.2 °C (41.4 °F) in July to 14 °C (57 °F) in January. The yearly mean temperature is 9.8 °C (49.6 °F). Rainfall averages 1,112 millimetres (43.8 in) annually, and measurable snowfall is occasionally seen during
736-681: A major geological fold system, the Southland Syncline , which extends from the coast northwestward, and include the Hokonui Hills above Gore. Off the coast of Southland lies the Great South Basin which stretches over 500,000 square kilometres (190,000 sq mi)—an area 1.5 times New Zealand's land mass). It is one of the country's largest undeveloped offshore petroleum basins with prospects for both oil and gas . Weather conditions in Southland are cooler than
828-676: A population density of 150 people per km . This comprises 51,700 people in the Invercargill urban area, 1,840 people in the Bluff urban area, and 5,060 people in the surrounding settlements and rural area. Invercargill City had a population of 55,599 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 1,395 people (2.6%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 3,903 people (7.5%) since the 2013 census . There were 27,255 males, 28,137 females and 210 people of other genders in 22,326 dwellings. 3.1% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age
920-512: A population density of 647 people per km. Before the 2023 census, Waikiwi was mostly part of the Donovan Park statistical area, which covered 2.93 km (1.13 sq mi). Donovan Park had a population of 2,484 at the 2018 New Zealand census , an increase of 129 people (5.5%) since the 2013 census , and an increase of 426 people (20.7%) since the 2006 census . There were 987 households, comprising 1,128 males and 1,356 females, giving
1012-599: A regular occurrence in the region. Summers are temperable with downpours and cold snaps not being uncommon. On 7 January 2010, Invercargill was hit by a hail storm with temperatures plummeting rapidly from 15 °C to 8 °C in the afternoon. Occasionally, temperatures exceed 25 °C with an extreme temperature of 33.8 °C having been reached before in Invercargill in 1948 and 35.0 °C in Winton in 2018. Winters are colder and more severe than other regions, although not by much. The mean maximum temperature in July
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#17327987554241104-480: A rolling 'r'. Food-wise, cheese rolls are a Southland specialty and swedes are a popular vegetable, prepared and eaten as are pumpkin and kumara (sweet potato) elsewhere in New Zealand. For many years a television channel, known as Southland TV from 2003–07, later Cue TV , transmitted Southland content. The strength of Southland identity may owe something to the relatively high proportion of New Zealand-born in
1196-447: A sex ratio of 0.83 males per female. The median age was 51.8 years (compared with 37.4 years nationally), with 375 people (15.1%) aged under 15 years, 330 (13.3%) aged 15 to 29, 906 (36.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 870 (35.0%) aged 65 or older. Ethnicities were 90.6% European/ Pākehā , 9.7% Māori , 2.3% Pasifika , 4.2% Asian , and 2.3% other ethnicities. People may identify with more than one ethnicity. The percentage of people born overseas
1288-474: A significant proportion of the region's revenue and export receipts. Much of this farming is on the Southland Plains , with expansion into the more remote western regions since the 1950s and 1960s. Southland also has the world's largest raw milk-processing plant at the town of Edendale which was established by Fonterra . In the 2019-20 season, there were 591,600 milking cows in Southland, 12.0% of
1380-628: A strong cultural identity, including its own distinct dialect of English and strong influences from its Māori and Scottish heritage. Southland extends from Fiordland in the west past the Mataura River to the Catlins the east. It contains New Zealand's highest waterfall, the Browne Falls , and its deepest lake, Lake Hauroko . Fiordland's terrain is dominated by mountains, fiords and glacial lakes carved up by glaciations during
1472-573: A test piece for the contest and Alex offered this piece to the city. On the music he wrote, To Invercargill, the Southernmost City in New Zealand (End of the World), and its Citizens, I dedicate this March as a memento of the many pleasant years spent there in my boyhood. All high schools in Invercargill are Year 7–13, following a Ministry of Education review in 2004 that made most of Invercargill's primary schools Year 1–6, while also closing
1564-631: Is Nobby Clark . The electorate of Invercargill in the New Zealand Parliament is held by Penny Simmonds , a Member of Parliament and Minister from the government party National Party . Under the Māori electorates system, Invercargill 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 Te Pāti Māori MP Tākuta Ferris . Invercargill
1656-476: Is 9.5 °C and Southland's lowest recorded temperature was −18 °C in July 1946. Snow and frost also frequently occur in inland areas but are less common and extreme in coastal areas where the oceans act as a moderating factor. The long-lasting cool and wet conditions are influenced by the presence of a stationary low-pressure zone to the southeast of the country. Fiordland has a wet mountain climate though conditions vary due to altitude and exposure. Rainfall
1748-460: Is a marae (meeting ground) of the Waihōpai Rūnanga branch of Ngāi Tahu , and includes Te Rakitauneke wharenui (meeting house). During the late 1880s a small periodical called Literary Southland contained stories as well as memoirs of the pioneering days of the region. The publication was distributed from a store in the northern end of Invercargill. While largely forgotten today, it
1840-411: Is a New Zealand-based financial institution that traces its roots back to 1869. Originally established as a building society in Invercargill by James Walker Bain to help local communities achieve their financial goals, SBS Bank has evolved into a full-service bank offering a wide range of banking and financial products. With its headquarters in Invercargill. Murihiku Marae is located in Invercargill. It
1932-599: Is amongst some of New Zealand's most fertile farmland. Southern Invercargill lies on the shore of the New River Estuary , while the northern parts lie on the banks of the Waihopai River . A tributary of the Waihopai is the Otepuni Stream or Creek, which flows from east to west through the city, through Otepuni Gardens , and under the railway yards. 10 kilometres west of the city centre lies Oreti Beach ,
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#17327987554242024-652: Is bordered by the culturally similar Otago Region to the north and east, and the West Coast Region in the extreme northwest. The region covers over 3.1 million hectares and spans 3,613 km of coastline. As of June 2023 , Southland has a population of 103,900, making it the eleventh-most-populous New Zealand region, and the second-most sparsely populated. Approximately half of the region's population lives in Invercargill , Southland's only city. The earliest inhabitants of Southland were Māori of
2116-488: Is divided into two parliamentary electorates . The large rural electorate of Southland , held by Joseph Mooney of the New Zealand National Party , also includes some of the neighbouring Otago Region. The seat of Invercargill is held by Penny Simmonds of the New Zealand National Party . Under the Māori electorates system, Southland is part of the large Te Tai Tonga electorate which covers
2208-484: Is home to the Southern Institute of Technology , which has introduced a zero-fees scheme. The scheme was partly responsible for rejuvenating the city when it was in a steady state of population decline. However the major factor in Invercargill's regrowth is the dairy industrial boom of the 2000s (decade) due to an increased demand for New Zealand milk, cheese and butter. New dairy factories have opened around
2300-459: Is home to two national parks: Fiordland National Park and Rakiura National Park . The former which covers 7,860 square kilometres; making it New Zealand's largest national park . Southland also includes Stewart Island, 85% of which is covered by Rakiura National Park . Both parks are administrated by the Department of Conservation . Politically, Southland proper extends from Fiordland in
2392-549: Is part of the Darran mountains. The largest lake in Southland is Lake Te Anau followed by Lake Manapouri which both lie within the boundaries of Fiordland National Park . Established on 20 February 1905, it is the largest national park in New Zealand—covering much of Fiordland which is devoid of human settlement. Fiordland's terrain is dominated by mountains, fiords and glacial lakes carved up by glaciations during
2484-556: Is the country's second-most sparsely populated region (after the West Coast ), with 3.40 people per square kilometre (8.80 per square mile). Southland Region had a population of 100,143 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 2,676 people (2.7%) since the 2018 census , and an increase of 6,801 people (7.3%) since the 2013 census . There were 50,115 males, 49,704 females and 321 people of other genders in 41,070 dwellings. 2.6% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age
2576-515: Is the highest in the country and varies between 6,500 and 7,500 mm annually. The farthest coastal reaches of Fiordland are characterized by a limited temperature range with increasing rainfall at higher altitudes. The moist wet climate is influenced by approaching low-pressure systems which sweep across the country entering Fiordland. Southland Region covers 31,218.95 km (12,053.70 sq mi). It has an estimated population of 106,100 as of June 2024, 2.0% of New Zealand's population. It
2668-797: The 2018 census , and an increase of 3,456 people (7.6%) since the 2013 census . There were 23,877 males, 24,930 females and 183 people of other genders in 19,752 dwellings. 3.2% of people identified as LGBTIQ+ . The median age was 39.2 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 9,048 people (18.5%) aged under 15 years, 9,120 (18.6%) aged 15 to 29, 21,783 (44.5%) aged 30 to 64, and 9,036 (18.4%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 81.4% European ( Pākehā ); 18.8% Māori ; 4.9% Pasifika ; 8.3% Asian ; 1.4% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.4% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
2760-524: The Southland region . The city lies in the heart of the wide expanse of the Southland Plains to the east of the Ōreti or New River some 18 km (11 miles) north of Bluff , which is the southernmost town in the South Island . It sits amid rich farmland that is bordered by large areas of conservation land and marine reserves, including Fiordland National Park covering the south-west corner of
2852-583: The Southland District , which is administered by its own Council, also based in Invercargill. The Gore District Council administers the Gore township and its rural hinterland. In 2001, the three authorities (Invercargill City, Southland District and Gore District Councils) created the joint initiative agency Venture Southland which is the agency responsible for the region's economic and community development initiatives and tourism promotion. The region
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2944-529: The Southland Plains predominate which include some of New Zealand's most fertile farmlands. The region's two principal settlements Invercargill and Gore are located on the plains. The plains extend from the Waiau River in the west to the Mataura River to the east. It can be divided into three broad areas: the Southland plain proper, the Waimea Plains and the lower Waiau plain to the west near
3036-546: The Vietnam War . Publicity and students have also come to the city by the Southern Institute of Technology 's "Zero Fees" scheme, which allows New Zealand citizens and permanent residents to study while only paying for material costs of their study, and not tuition fees. Invercargill is the southernmost city in the Commonwealth of Nations . Invercargill is situated on the fertile and alluvial Southland Plains , which
3128-519: The Waitaha iwi , followed later by Kāti Māmoe and Kāi Tahu . Early European arrivals were sealers and whalers , and by the 1830s, Kāi Tahu had built a thriving industry supplying whaling vessels, looked after whalers and settlers in need, and had begun to integrate with the settlers. By the second half of the 19th century these industries had declined, and immigrants, predominantly Scottish settlers , had moved further inland. The region maintains
3220-627: The last ice age , between 75,000 and 15,000 years ago. The region's coast is dotted by several fiords and other sea inlets which stretch from Milford Sound in the north to Preservation Inlet to the south. Farther north and east in Fiordland lie the Darran and Eyre Mountains which are part of the block of schist that extends into neighbouring Central Otago . The region is rich in natural resources, with large reserves of forestry , coal , petroleum and natural gas . The earliest inhabitants of
3312-541: The 2005 film The World's Fastest Indian . In September 2010, Invercargill's heaviest snowfall in living memory heralded a run of unseasonably cold weather. A few buildings were damaged, notably Stadium Southland , the roof of which collapsed under the weight of the snow; and a decorating store. Many other stores were shut, and Invercargill Airport was closed for a day. The Invercargill City territorial authority covers 389.92 km (150.55 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 58,600 as of June 2024, with
3404-663: The 2006 census number and up 4.8% on the 2013 census number. Inver comes from the Scottish Gaelic word inbhir meaning a river's mouth and Cargill is in honour of Captain William Cargill , who was at the time the Superintendent of Otago , of which Southland was then a part. The Māori name for the city, Waihōpai , comes from the Waihopai River . It may be a corruption of Waiopai , meaning wai (water or stream) of Pai. Southland
3496-575: The 21st century the Asian-origin population of Southland increased owing to the recruitment of dairy workers, many of them from the Philippines. In 2013 the population of Asian origin accounted for 3.2% of the Southland total. The West Coast aside, Southland has New Zealand's strongest regional identity. It is the only part of New Zealand which has a distinct regional accent (shared with most rural parts of Otago), characterized in particular by
3588-695: The ILT Foundation are major funders of community projects in Invercargill. The ILT Foundation provides donations and grants totalling around $ 10 million a year to over 500 organisations. The trust has also been influential in the development of city facilities such as the ILT Stadium Southland and Invercargill Velodrome . The trust are also big-time backers of local sporting franchises the Southern Steel , Southland Sharks and Southland Stags . The Community Trust of Southland
3680-641: The South Island and the Catlins coastal region. Many streets in the city, especially in the centre and main shopping district, are named after rivers in Scotland. These include the main streets Dee and Tay , as well as those named after the Tweed , Forth , Tyne , Esk , Don , Ness , Yarrow , Spey , Eye and Ythan rivers, amongst others. The 2018 census showed the population was 54,204, up 2.7% on
3772-538: The Southland Region, as well as more efficient meat processing works and research and development facilities. Invercargill is on the Southern Scenic Route (tourist road), allowing day trips to Queenstown , Stewart Island , Dunedin , Te Anau and Fiordland . The Invercargill Licensing Trust is one of several trusts in the city of Invercargill. The Invercargill Licensing Trust and
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3864-496: The Trust provides significant funding to a wide range of projects and programmes. Each year, it distributes between $ 7 and $ 10 million in the region, not including the large sums given to sports franchises and building projects and since its inception has distributed close to $ 140 million in grants. Invercargill was home to Invercargill Brewery , the southernmost manufacturer of beer in New Zealand . Established in 1999, it
3956-571: The Waiau river. The southern part of these plains (including the Awarua Plains along the coast east of Bluff ) contains much wetland and swamp. In the far southeast of Southland rises the rough hill country of the Catlins . This area is divided between Southland and the neighbouring Otago region, with the largest settlement, Owaka , being within Otago. The hills of the Catlins form part of
4048-450: The Year 7–8 schools Rosedale Intermediate, Collingwood Intermediate and Tweedsmuir Junior High. Most primary schools are Year 1–6. Southland Region Southland ( Māori : Murihiku , lit. 'the last joint of the tail') is New Zealand 's southernmost region . It consists of the southwestern portion of the South Island and includes Stewart Island . Southland
4140-423: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 10,104 (12.4%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 45,333 (55.8%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 22,866 (28.2%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 41,100, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 6,549 people (8.1%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
4232-422: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 5,388 (13.5%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 21,870 (54.8%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 11,079 (27.7%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 39,500, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 3,042 people (7.6%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
4324-422: The census question. Of those at least 15 years old, 5,988 (13.2%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 25,002 (55.1%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 12,597 (27.8%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $ 39,900, compared with $ 41,500 nationally. 3,627 people (8.0%) earned over $ 100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15
4416-470: The coastline was a scene of early extended contact between Māori and Europeans, in this case sealers, whalers and missionaries such as Wohlers at Ruapuke Island . Contact was established as early as 1813. By the 1830s, Kāi Tahu had built a thriving industry supplying whaling vessels, looked after whalers and settlers in need, and had begun to integrate with the settlers. Throughout the nineteenth century local Māori continued such regular travel from trade that
4508-483: The country's total herd. The cows produced 247,230 tonnes of milk solids, worth $ 1,780 million at the national average farmgate price ($ 7.20 per kg). Other sizeable industries in Southland include coal and hydroelectric power. Eastern Southland has significant deposits of lignite which are considered to be New Zealand's biggest fossil fuel energy resource. Solid Energy operated open cast lignite mines at Newvale and Ohai until its 2015 bankruptcy. Southland hosts
4600-447: The country, with codes such as rugby union , netball , basketball, cricket , and hockey being popular. Many professional sportsmen too, have come out of Southland as well. Invercargill also has some high quality sporting facilities, including an indoor velodrome , an Olympic sized swimming centre, a 20,000 capacity rugby stadium and also international playing arenas for both hockey and cricket. The city's 4500 capacity indoor stadium
4692-556: The discovery of gold in Central Otago in the 1860s. Traces of Scottish speech persist in Southland voices, with R often pronounced with a rolling burr. This is more noticeable among country people. In 1856, a petition was put forward to Thomas Gore Browne , the Governor of New Zealand , for a port at Bluff. Due to the Otago gold rush, the region's population grew during the 1860s with the settlement of Bluff . Browne agreed to
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#17327987554244784-472: The election of Tim Shadbolt , a colourful and outspoken former student activist and former mayor of Waitemata City , as mayor. He once appeared in a cheese advertisement stating "I don't mind where, as long as I'm Mayor". His supporters like the colour he brings to the city. His opponents refer to his controversial mayoral career in the Auckland suburbs and to his attitude to veterans during his opposition to
4876-549: The entire South Island and the surrounding islands, and is currently held by Tākuta Ferris of Te Pāti Māori . Regional responsibilities are handled by the Southland Regional Council (Environment Southland). Three territorial 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
4968-524: The escalation of political tensions. However, rising debt forced Southland 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. In the 1880s, the development of an export industry based on butter and cheese encouraged the growth of dairy farming in Southland. Consequently, the colony's first dairy factory
5060-468: The first all-women's organisation established in New Zealand. After affiliating with the new national organisation, the Women's Christian Temperance Union of New Zealand, under the guidance of world missionary Mary C. Leavitt , Roberta Annie Hinton, wife of the new Baptist minister, led the new club as it worked to strengthen the temperance movement in the area and support the needs of women and children across
5152-566: The former has held qualifying rounds of the Speedway World Championship in 1976 and 1983 and the New Zealand Solo Championship six times. The " Invercargill March ", an internationally famous tune, was written by Alex Lithgow , who attended Invercargill Grammar School (now Middle School). In his book Invercargill – 150 Years , Lloyd Esler 's opening sentence reads, "Invercargill was done
5244-521: The glass by keggers at hiding spots round the city. When prohibition ended, a committee of citizens persuaded the Government to give the monopoly on liquor sales in Invercargill to the specially formed Invercargill Licensing Trust . Based on a scheme in Carlisle , England, it returns profits to city amenities. Even today, alcohol is not sold in supermarkets. Publicity has been brought to the city by
5336-414: The inner-city regions compared to the surrounding countryside. This is typically between 1-2°C and depends on factors like wind speed and cloud cover. Owing to its relatively high latitude (46° 24′), the city enjoys nearly 16 hours of daylight at the summer solstice in late December, with astronomical night lasting as little as 2.5 hours. Conversely, the city receives only around 8.5 hours of daylight at
5428-544: The land for European settlement. Part of the agreement was that schools and hospitals would be provided alongside each Kāi Tahu village; this promise was not fulfilled. The boundaries of the land sold were also not made sufficiently clear, with Kāi Tahu always maintaining that Fiordland was not intended to be included in this purchase. Over successive decades, present-day Southland and Otago were settled by large numbers of Scottish settlers. Immigration to New Zealand had been precipitated by an economic depression in Scotland and
5520-408: The last ice age, between 75,000 and 15,000 years ago. The region's coast is dotted by several fiords and other sea inlets which stretch from Milford Sound in the north to Preservation Inlet to the south. Farther north and east in Fiordland lie the Darran and Eyre Mountains which are part of the block of schist that extends into neighbouring Central Otago . Farther east of the Waiau River ,
5612-630: The nation's largest hydroelectric power station at Manapouri which is owned by Meridian Energy and powers the Tiwai Point Aluminium Smelter . The Manapouri project generated much controversy from environmental groups which initiated the Save Manapouri Campaign in opposition to rising water levels in nearby lakes. Tourism spending is a major factor of the Southland economy, with NZ$ 595 million being spent by visitors in 2016, of which $ 210 million
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#17327987554245704-716: The nation. By 1897, a founding member of this first branch of the WCTU Invercargill, Mrs. Elizabeth Stephen Baird, led the establishment of the Victoria Home for Friendless Girls. In December 1905, Invercargill voted in local prohibition of alcohol sales. This lasted for 40 years until voted out by returning servicemen in the Second World War . Drinking continued meanwhile, thanks to hotels and liquor merchants in outlying districts, huge volumes of beer, often in kegs, brought to private homes, or sold by
5796-774: The north and east, although the suburb is expanding to the north. Prestonville , a commercial and industrial area, is located south-west of Waikiwi. Thomsons Bush, a reserve, is located south-east of the settlement. St John's Cemetery is located in Waikiwi. It is the resting place of many notable Invercargill residents. In 1984, there was a major flood in Grasmere and neighbouring suburbs. It caused extensive property damage, and some people lost their jobs or became homeless. Flood banks were installed to prevent further floods. Waikiwi covers 5.30 km (2.05 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 3,430 as of June 2024, with
5888-819: The other regions of New Zealand due to its distance from the equator . However, they can be broken down into three types: the temperate oceanic climate of the coastal regions, the semi-continental climate of the interior and the wetter mountain climate of Fiordland to the west. Due to its closer proximity to the South Pole, the Aurora Australis or "Southern Lights" are more commonly seen than in other regions. The coastal regions have mild summers and cool winters. The mean daily temperature varies from 5.2 °C in July to 14.9 °C in January. Rainfall varies from 900 mm to 1300 mm annually with rainfall being more frequent in coastal areas and rainbows being
5980-432: The petition and gave the name Invercargill to the settlement north of the port. The settlement's chief surveyor was John Turnbull Thomson , a British civil engineer. Under the influence of James Menzies , Southland Province (a small part of the present Region, centred on Invercargill) seceded from Otago in 1861 following the escalation of political tensions. However, rising debt forced Southland to rejoin Otago in 1870 and
6072-447: The provincial system, and with it the province of Otago, was abolished entirely in 1876. This debt was caused by a population decline stemming from poor returns from pastoral farming. In 1874, Invercargill's population was less than 2,500, which reflected the drift north to large centres. In the 1880s, the development of an export industry based on butter and cheese encouraged the growth of dairy farming in Southland. On 6 August 1884,
6164-426: The region – 85% compared with 70% for New Zealand as a whole at the 2013 census. With a population of 51,700 Invercargill , the region's main centre and seat of local government, makes up half of Southland's total. Six other centres have populations over 1,000: Gore , Mataura , Winton , Riverton , Bluff and Te Anau . Most of Southland's population is concentrated on the eastern Southland Plains . Fiordland ,
6256-422: The regional GDP, goods-producing industries contributed $ 1.52 billion (25.2%), service industries contributed $ 2.63 billion (43.7%), and taxes and duties contributed $ 516 million (8.6%). The region's economy is based on agriculture, tourism, fishing, forestry and energy resources like coal and hydropower . The agriculture industry includes both sheep and dairy farming which both account for
6348-652: The region—known to Māori as Murihiku ('the last joint of the tail')—were Māori of the Waitaha iwi , followed later by Kāti Māmoe and Kāi Tahu . Waitaha sailed on the Uruao waka, whose captain Rākaihautū named sites and carved out lakes throughout the area. The Takitimu Mountains were formed by the overturned Kāi Tahu waka Tākitimu . Descendants created networks of customary food gathering sites, travelling seasonally as needed, to support permanent and semi-permanent settlements in coastal and inland regions. In later years,
6440-466: The west past the Mataura River to the Catlins the east. To the north, Southland is framed by the Darran and Eyre Mountains. Farther south lies Stewart Island which is separated from the mainland by the Foveaux Strait . Southland contains New Zealand's highest waterfall—the Browne Falls . Lake Hauroko is the deepest lake in the country. The highest peak in Southland is Mount Tūtoko , which
6532-412: The western part of the region, is almost totally devoid of permanent human settlement. The subnational gross domestic product (GDP) of Southland was estimated at NZ$ 6.36 billion in the year to March 2019, 2.1% of New Zealand's national GDP. The subnational GDP per capita was estimated at $ 63,084 in the same period. In the year to March 2018, primary industries contributed $ 1.35 billion (22.4%) to
6624-703: The winter months of June to September. It ties with neighbouring Dunedin as the cloudiest city in New Zealand, with only 1,680 hours of sunshine per annum. Despite its cloudiness, and a relatively high frequency of rainy days, Invercargill receives less rain than either Auckland or Wellington. Invercargill is also New Zealand's second-windiest city, after Wellington. Inner Invercargill suburbs: Outer Invercargill localities: - major settlement The average temperature high ranges from 18.7 °C (65.7 °F) in January to 9.5 °C (49.1 °F) in July, but temperatures do occasionally exceed 25 °C (77 °F) in summer. Invercargill's hottest temperature on record
6716-419: The winter solstice in late June. Invercargill is the "City of Water and Light". The "light" refers to the long summer twilights and the aurora australis (southern lights). The "water" reference, humorists suggest, comes from notorious horizontal, driving rain in high wind at the corner of the two main streets, Dee and Tay. A recent sign also states, "Invercargill, where dreams can come true" with an image from
6808-442: Was $ 29,200, compared with $ 31,800 nationally. 360 people (17.1%) earned over $ 70,000 compared to 17.2% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 897 (42.5%) people were employed full-time, 270 (12.8%) were part-time, and 36 (1.7%) were unemployed. Southland Adventist Christian School is a state-integrated co-educational full primary school for years 1–8. It has a roll of 108 students as of August 2024.. The school
6900-467: Was 10.4, compared with 27.1% nationally. Although some people chose not to answer the census's question about religious affiliation, 39.6% had no religion, 51.2% were Christian , 0.1% had Māori religious beliefs , 0.7% were Hindu , 0.7% were Muslim , 0.2% were Buddhist and 0.7% had other religions. Of those at least 15 years old, 312 (14.8%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, and 621 (29.4%) people had no formal qualifications. The median income
6992-485: Was 33.8 °C (92.8 °F), recorded on 2 January 1948. Extended periods of heat are rare; however, January 2018 was notable for the city recording three consecutive days above 30 for the first time in its recorded history, peaking with the city's second-highest temperature on record of 32.3 °C (90.1 °F) on 14 January 2018. Like other urban areas in New Zealand, Invercargill sometimes experiences an urban heat island effect; temperatures are slightly higher within
7084-510: Was 40.0 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 10,233 people (18.4%) aged under 15 years, 10,035 (18.0%) aged 15 to 29, 25,083 (45.1%) aged 30 to 64, and 10,251 (18.4%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 82.2% European ( Pākehā ); 19.4% Māori ; 4.7% Pasifika ; 7.6% Asian ; 1.3% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.5% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
7176-510: Was 40.4 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 18,921 people (18.9%) aged under 15 years, 17,208 (17.2%) aged 15 to 29, 45,495 (45.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 18,516 (18.5%) aged 65 or older. People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 84.1% European ( Pākehā ); 16.8% Māori ; 3.3% Pasifika ; 7.1% Asian ; 1.0% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 3.0% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English
7268-433: Was a scene of early extended contact between Europeans and Māori, notably whalers and missionaries – Wohlers at Ruapuke Island . In 1853, Walter Mantell purchased Murihiku from local Māori iwi , claiming the land for European settlement. Otago , of which Southland was itself part, was the subject of planned settlement by the Free Church of Scotland , an offshoot of the Church of Scotland . Settlement broadened with
7360-496: Was an internationally award-winning production brewery which also contract brews for other iconic New Zealand breweries, including Yeastie Boys . The company went into receivership in 2018. Invercargill has a growing tourism sector. Attractions such as E Hayes, Bill Richardson Transport World, Dig This and Classic Motorcycle Mecca attract people to the area. SBS Bank , or the Southland Building Society,
7452-621: Was considered relatively popular at the time, if at times controversial. The Southern Sting (Netball- Now Southern Steel) won seven National titles from 1999 to 2004, 2007, while the local rugby team the Southland Stags held the Ranfurly Shield from 22 October 2009 to 9 October 2010 and have made the NPC Semi-finals for the past three years. Southland also has one of the highest percentages of sports participants in
7544-498: Was established after Westpac bought out the Trust Bank Southland in the late 1990s. It was sold for approximately $ 150 million, with those funds now being set aside for the people of the Southland regions, including Queenstown , Arrowtown and Tapanui. It is widely recognised as one of New Zealand's leading community trusts, with the benefit of a large capital base for a relatively small population. Consequently,
7636-473: Was established at Edendale in 1882. Much of this export went to the United Kingdom. Now, Edendale is the site of the world's largest raw milk-processing plant, and Southland's economy is based on agriculture, tourism, fishing, forestry , coal, and hydropower . Southland Region and the Southland Regional Council were created in 1989, as part of the 1989 local government reforms . Southland
7728-473: Was established in Invercargill Central in 1955 and moved to Waikiwi in 1968. It moved to its current site in Waikiwi in 2021. Sacred Heart School is a Catholic state-integrated co=educational contributing primary school for years 1 to 6 with a roll of 73 students as of August 2024.. The school opened in 1962. Ruru Special School, a co-educational school for people with learning support needs,
7820-416: Was established in 1967. Waikiwi School was a state primary school established in 1872. It was merged to Grasmere School in January 2005. Invercargill Invercargill ( / ˌ ɪ n v ər ˈ k ɑːr ɡ ɪ l / IN -vər- KAR -ghil , Māori : Waihōpai ) is the southernmost and westernmost city in New Zealand, and one of the southernmost cities in the world. It is the commercial centre of
7912-510: Was severely damaged in 2010, its roof collapsing following a heavy snowfall. Southland also has four professional sporting sides that are based in Invercargill: Invercargill is home to the only indoor cycling velodrome in the South Island. The indoor 250 metres wooden velodrome is home to Track Cycling in Southland. The Invercargill Licensing Trust supports the velodrome which is situated at Stadium Southland ,
8004-541: Was spoken by 96.9%, Māori language by 3.8%, Samoan by 0.8% and other languages by 8.4%. No language could be spoken by 2.0% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 15.6, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 33.4% Christian , 1.2% Hindu , 0.7% Islam , 0.6% Māori religious beliefs , 0.6% Buddhist , 0.4% New Age , and 1.3% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 54.1%, and 7.9% of people did not answer
8096-541: Was spoken by 97.1%, Māori language by 3.7%, Samoan by 0.8% and other languages by 7.8%. No language could be spoken by 1.9% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.6%. The percentage of people born overseas was 14.8, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 33.0% Christian , 1.1% Hindu , 0.6% Islam , 0.6% Māori religious beliefs , 0.6% Buddhist , 0.4% New Age , and 1.3% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 54.6%, and 8.1% of people did not answer
8188-541: Was spoken by 97.3%, Māori language by 3.1%, Samoan by 0.5% and other languages by 7.2%. No language could be spoken by 1.9% (e.g. too young to talk). New Zealand Sign Language was known by 0.5%. The percentage of people born overseas was 14.4, compared with 28.8% nationally. Religious affiliations were 33.1% Christian , 0.8% Hindu , 0.4% Islam , 0.5% Māori religious beliefs , 0.6% Buddhist , 0.4% New Age , and 1.1% other religions. People who answered that they had no religion were 54.9%, and 8.3% of people did not answer
8280-522: Was that 20,550 (51.5%) people were employed full-time, 5,400 (13.5%) were part-time, and 1,053 (2.6%) were unemployed. The Invercargill City Council governs the territorial authority of Invercargill. It is made up of an elected mayor and 12 additional councillors. They are elected under the First Past the Post system in triennial elections, with the last election being held in 2022 . The current mayor
8372-423: Was that 23,430 (51.6%) people were employed full-time, 6,246 (13.8%) were part-time, and 1,167 (2.6%) were unemployed. The Invercargill urban area covers 62.95 km (24.31 sq mi) and had an estimated population of 51,700 as of June 2024, with a population density of 821 people per km . Invercargill had a population of 48,987 in the 2023 New Zealand census , an increase of 1,143 people (2.4%) since
8464-406: Was that 43,197 (53.2%) people were employed full-time, 11,688 (14.4%) were part-time, and 1,749 (2.2%) were unemployed. A relatively high proportion of nineteenth century migrants came from Scotland and Ireland. Māori are largely concentrated around the port of Bluff. During the 1940s, the development of the freezing works boosted a short-term immigration to the region by North Island Māori. In
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