Feeling lonely, isolated or need a MATE to talk to?
Meet with a MATE at your local cafe and get the support you need. ​

MATES Cafe is here for you when you are going through crisis. We understand that we all go through challenges in life, just as you are and when we have, we have reached out to a MATE for support. MATES recognise the benefits of having someone to talk to and just being there for us. We therefore want to be there for someone else when they need a shoulder to lean on. After all, isn't that what MATES are for?
NOTE: If you either need a MATE or wish to become a MATE, please click on the buttons above respectively. 
All other enquiries please go to "Contact Us" or "Refer Someone" (under the contact tab)  Thank You.

Southland NZ - MATES Cafe Network

A Call-Out to ALL!
Can You Spare ONE Hour of Your Life to Save a Life?

MATES Cafe is purely about saving lives. Do you realise that in 2017-2018 over 668 people in New Zealand chose to take their own life because they couldn't stand the emotional trauma they were undergoing. Many of these occurred because of relationship breakdown.

Over 16,280 New Zealanders have killed themselves  since 1985! 
One person has taken their own life on average every 18 hours over the last 33 years.(approx. 12,500 Men and 3,780 Women Suicides in same period) Age-standardised suicide death rate, 1996 - 2012 New Zealand

Enough is enough!
MATES has been operating for nearly 10 Years in New Zealand... we now need your help to drastically lower the suicide rate... are you with us?

Saving someones life can be to either:
  1. Help them navigate in a new direction, and potentially prevent them from killing themselves...
  2. Help them to find support and hope to move forward in rebuilding their new life...
  3. Help spare the pain and anguish of all those around them that will be affected for the rest of their lives, if they go through with it... spouses, ex-spouses, children, friends, friends of friends, workmates, colleagues, school friends many more...​
​

Southland Region

MATES North Island Centres (Click Here)  /  MATES South Island Centres (Click Here)

Support Services in Southland

LifeLine New Zealand Last updated 06/06/2013 LifeLine is here to listen to the unheard, to empower the caller to retake control of their situation, making callers aware of options rather than offering advice.

This provider offers a national helpline service.
  • Availability: 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Depression Helpline -  0800 111 757  Last updated 23/02/2012 The Depression Helpline and website are part of a national public health campaign called the National Depression Initiative. The website includes a self-test, resources, an interactive journal and links to other help services. The helpline is av...

This provider offers a national helpline service.
  • Availability: Helpline is available 8am to midnight daily. Website is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Southland Rural Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Diane Gillespie counselling and psychological services Last updated 21/06/2013 Counselling, therapy and psychology services including ACC, Family Court, MSD and Victim support accredited counselling to children, youth, adults and families or whanau, psychological screening and assessment, and treatment for mental health issu...

  • CCS Disability Action
  • 142 Don Street
  • Invercargill
  • Availability: Monday to Friday 9am - 6pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Te Whare Hou Invercargill Women's Refuge Last updated 04/12/2012 Women's Refuges work to raise public awareness of violence against women and children, promoting the prevention and elimination of violence, and the rights of women and children to care and protection. For support, please ring our Crisis Line: 080...

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Availability: 24 hour crisis line  0800 733 843  REFUGE
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Youthline - Southland Last updated 12/04/2013 Counselling and programmes for people of all ages with a specific focus on 11 to 30 years. Youth Help and Counselling Line 8.00 am - midnight seven days.


  • Availability: Mon-Frid 8am to 1pm
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Salvation Army - Invercargill (Community and Family Services) Last updated 25/10/2012 Aims to care for people and transform lives. We work for the reform of society by alleviating poverty, deprivation and disadvantage and by challenging evil, injustice and oppression in the name of Jesus.

  • 105 Tay Street
  • Invercargill
  • Availability: Monday - Friday 10.00am - 3.00pm
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Invercargill Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Victim Support - Gore Last updated 27/07/2012 Victim support provides information, support and assistance to victims, witnesses, their families and friends. Victim Support also promotes victims' rights through raising public awareness and recognition of the effects of crime.


  • Availability: The Victim Support Service is available 24 hours, 7 days a week.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Gore Women's Refuge Last updated 14/01/2013 We provide: 24 hour crisis line, emergency accommodation, community and outreach services, information and advice, women and children's education programmes, referral service and support to attend appointments.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Availability: 10 am - 4pm. 24 hours crisisline  0800 733 843  REFUGE
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.


 SHINE: Safer Homes In New Zealand Everyday Inc Last updated 04/10/2012 Shine (Safer Homes In New Zealand Everyday) is making homes violence free. Shine offers a free national Helpline and a number of innovative services that work to stop domestic abuse.

This provider offers a national helpline service. Approved Family Violence Provider
  • Ground Floor
  • 409 New North Road
  • Kingsland
  • Auckland
  • Availability: Helpline ( 0508 744 633 ) is answered 9am - 11pm, 7 days a week . Our office hours are 8.30am - 5.00pm weekdays.
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Number 10 Last updated 31/01/2013 Number 10 is a Youth One Stop Shop which offers a range of holistic youth services under one roof for 10-24 year olds and their whanau. Services include a range of health, social services, youth programmes and youth leadership. We provide a free ...

  • 10 Deveron Street
  • Invercargill
  • 9840
  • Availability: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday 10am-5pm Wednesday 10am till 8pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: Referral may apply.
Glenda Graham - Clinical Psychologist Last updated 15/05/2013 Has her own practice as a clinical psychologist and works in the areas of anger management, behavioural child, eating disorders, elderly, family, sexual, phobia, psychology, psychotherapy, rape, sexual abuse/incest, sexually abused men, and youth,...

  • 136 Spey Street
  • Invercargill
  • Availability: Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Stopping Violence Southland Incorporated Last updated 27/06/2013 Providing group and individual programmes to the perpetrators and victims of domestic/family violence. Also an adolescent individual programme for 12-17 year olds with violent and management concerns.

Approved Family Violence Provider
  • 70 Victoria Avenue
  • Invercargill
  • Availability: Monday to Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Rape And Abuse Support Centre Southland Inc Last updated 06/08/2012 Offers a support service to anyone who has been raped or sexually abused, including information, education, counselling and referral services to police, doctors and court support.

  • 26 Nelson Street
  • Invercargill
  • 9812
  • Availability: The office is open Monday - Friday 10am - 4pm.
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Gamblers Anonymous Last updated 02/08/2012 Gamblers Anonymous is a fellowship of men & women who share their experience, strength & hope with one another that they may solve their common problem & help others to recover from a gambling problem.

  • Graeme Cockroft Cycle Park Rooms
  • - Onslow Street
  • Invercargill
  • Availability: Meetings are on Wednesday at 7.30pm at the Graeme Cockroft Cycle Park Rooms
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Salvation Army Bridge Programme - Invercargill Last updated 06/05/2013 Alcohol and other Drug Addiction Counselling.

  • 110 Leven Street
  • Avenal
  • Availability: 24/7
  • Charges: All services free of charge.
  • Referrals: No referral required.
Southland Stroke Club Inc. Last updated 27/02/2013 Provides support for stroke survivors and their families/caregivers. Meetings are held fortnightly. Taxi service can be arranged.

  • 46 Kelvin Street
  • Invercargill
  • 9810
  • Availability: Monday - Friday 10 - 12 p.m. Meetings fortnightly at Invercargill Working Man's Club, 154 Esk Street, Mondays 1.30pm - 3.30pm,
  • Charges: Some charges may apply.
  • Referrals: No referral required.


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Information about Southland

Number of people counted

Total population
  • 90,873 people usually live in Southland Region. This is a decrease of 129 people, or 0.1 percent, since the 2001 Census.
  • Its population ranks 11th in size out of the 16 regions in New Zealand.
  • Southland Region has 2.3 percent of New Zealand's population.
Population of Southland Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census  Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Male  45,171  1,965,618
  • Female  45,702  2,062,329
  • Total  90,876  4,027,947
Māori ethnic population
  • 10,422 Māori usually live in Southland Region, an increase of 384 people, or 3.8 percent, since the 2001 Census.
  • Its Māori population ranks 12th in size out of the 16 regions in New Zealand.
  • 1.8 percent of New Zealand's Māori population usually live in Southland Region. 
Māori Population of Southland Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census  Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Male  5,280  274,860
  • Female  5,139  290,466
  • Total  10,422  565,329
Note: The Māori ethnic population is the count for people of the Māori ethnic group. It includes those people who stated Māori as being either their sole ethnic group or one of several ethnic groups.

Number of dwellings counted
  • There are 36,084 occupied dwellings and 4,602 unoccupied dwellings in Southland Region.
  • For New Zealand as a whole, there are 1,478,709 occupied dwellings and 159,273 unoccupied dwellings.
  • There are 255 dwellings under construction in Southland Region, compared with 13,560 under construction throughout New Zealand.
Dwellings in Southland Region and New Zealand, 2006 Census Dwelling status       Region/City/District New Zealand
  • Occupied Private dwelling  35,802  1,471,746    
  • Non-private dwelling  282  6,963    
  • Total  36,084  1,478,709
  • Unoccupied  4,602  159,273
  • Under construction  255  13,560
  • Total  40,941  1,651,542
Note: This data has been randomly rounded to protect confidentiality. Individual figures may not add up to totals, and values for the same data may vary in different text, tables and graphs. 


Southland Region

Southland Overview Southland, New Zealand Southland is New Zealand's southernmost region and includes New Zealand's third island, Stewart Island.

The lush, green pastoral lands of Southland are a strong contrast to the dryness of Central Otago further north. Throughout the Southland region are a number of accessible, tranquil waterways that attract fly-fishing enthusiasts in search of brown trout.

Southland's largest urban centre is Invercargill, a city of 49,000 people. Visitors come to admire the elegant Victorian and Edwardian buildings, gardens and landscaped parks. As in Dunedin to the north, Invercargill was originally settled by people from Scotland.

Invercargill is built around beautiful Queens Park—80 hectares of gardens, wildlife and sporting fun. As well as an 18-hole golf course, the park has animal enclosures, a bird aviary, play areas and the Southland Museum.

Southland Highlights A half hour drive south from Invercargill is the fishing port of Bluff—home to the famous Bluff oyster and the annual Bluff Oyster and Southland Seafood Festival. Once you've tasted a Bluff oyster, no other oyster will do!

From Bluff, visitors can catch a ferry to Stewart Island. The island can also be reached by air from Invercargill. Stewart Island is a haven for native bird life and the only place in New Zealand where you can readily see kiwi in their natural habitat.

Stewart Island is large—64 kilometres long and 40 kilometres across—so don't expect to walk around it in a day—or even a week! It has a 700-kilometre coastline, but there are only 20 kilometres of roads! As well as kiwi, Stewart Island is home to many other native bird varieties—including kaka, tui and bellbird. Sea birds abound off-shore. albatross, petrels, cormorants, gulls and blue penguins are common. Rarer species like yellow-eyed penguins (hoiho) are also seen often.

» Stewart Island Information

» Stewart Island Travel Directory

Southland also has large areas of near-pristine rainforest, ideal for day walks and hiking. Curio Bay on the Catlins Coast is one of the geological wonders of the world. This petrified forest of subtropical kauri and other trees dates back to the Jurassic age, 135 to 190 million years ago.

Main Centres in Southland
  • Invercargill - Southland's main city
  • Gore - Southland's brown trout fishing centre
  • Bluff - fishing port at the end of the South Island
  • Riverton - small seaside town at the western end of Oreti Beach
  • South Catlins - the southern portion of The Catlins
  • Stewart Island - the largest Island in New Zealand aside from the North and South Islands


Southland (Māori: 'Murihiku') is New Zealand's southernmost region and is also a district within that region. It consists mainly of the southwestern portion of the South Island and Stewart Island / Rakiura. The region covers over 3.1 million hectares and spans over 3,400 km of coastal stretch.
History Southland was a scene of early extended contact between Europeans and Maori, in this case sealers, whalers and missionaries - Wohlers at Ruapuke.[2] In 1853, Walter Mantell purchased Murihiku from local Maori iwi, claiming the land for European settlement.[3] 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 a schism between the Church of Scotland and the Free Church of Scotland.[4][verification needed]

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 the escalation of political tensions.[5]

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 Nov 1876.[6] 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 was established at Edendale in 1882. Much of this export went to the United Kingdom.[7]

The region's largest flood on 27 January 1984 led to a state of emergency being declared, evacuation of 4,000 people, and damage exceeding $100 million (in 1984 dollars).[8]

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 June 2011 estimate it had a population of 94,900[1], making it one of New Zealand's most sparsely populated areas. The sizable western part Fiordland is almost empty of permanent human inhabitation.

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 governing National Party. Under the Maori seats system, Southland is part of the large Te Tai Tonga election which covers the entire South Island and the surrounding islands, and is currently held by the Maori Party MP Rahui Katene.

Local government 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/Rakiura, 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 The region 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.

Geography Politically, Southland proper extends from Fiordland in 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 Tutoko, which 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.[9]

Fiordland's terrain is dominated by mountains, fjords and glacial lakes carved up by glaciations during the last ice age, between 75,000 to 15,000 years ago. The region's coast is dotted by several fjords and other sea inlets which stretch from Milford Sound in the north to Preservation Inlet to the south. Farther north and east of Fiordland lie the Darran and Eyre Mountains which are part of the block of schist that extends into neighboring Central Otago.[10]

Farther east of the Waiau River, 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 the Waiau river.[10] Off the coast of Southland lies the Great South Basin which stretches over 500,000 km2 (covering 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.

Climate Weather conditions in Southland are cooler and wetter than 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 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 cool summers and mild winters. The mean daily temperature varies from 5.2°C in July to 14.9°C in January. Rainfall varies from 900mm to 1300 mm annually with rainfall being more frequent in coastal areas and rainbows being a regular occurrence in the region. Summers are temperable with downpours and cold snaps not being uncommon. On 8 January 2010, Invercargill was hit by a hail storm with temperatures plummeting rapidly from 15°C to 8°C in the afternoon.[11] Occasionally, temperatures exceed 25 °C with an extreme temperature of 32.2°C having been reached before in Invercargill.[12]

Winters are colder and more severe than other regions. The mean maximum temperature in July is 9.5°C and Southland’s lowest recorded temperature was -18°C in July 1946.[13] 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 is the highest in the country and varies between 6,500 to 7,500mm 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.[9]

Population Southland is one of New Zealand’s most sparsely populated regions with its population of 94,900 (June 2011 estimate).[1] Due to a “drift north” between 1996 to 2001, Southland’s population declined by 6.3% though this has since dropped to 0.1% as of 2006. Invercargill, the region’s main centre and seat of local government, makes up half of Southland’s population with a population of 52,000. Six other centres have populations over 1,000: Gore, Mataura, Winton, Riverton, Bluff and Te Anau.[14] Most of Southland’s population is concentrated on the eastern Southland Plains with Fiordland almost totally devoid of permanent human settlement.

Approximately 94.3% of population has European lineage with most being of Scottish stock due to the longtime Scottish presence in the early 19th century. Māori comprise about 10% of the population and are largely concentrated around the port of Bluff.[14] During the 1940s, the development of the freezing works boosted a short-term immigration to the region by North Island Māori.[15] Compared to other parts of New Zealand, Pacific Islanders and Asians are under-represented.

Economy The region’s economy is based on agriculture, fishing, forestry and energy resources like coal and hydropower.[16] The agriculture industry includes both sheep and dairy farming which both account for a significant proportion of the region’s revenue and export receipts. Much of this farming occurs on the Southland Plains though there has been expansion into the more remote western regions since the 1950s and 60s.[17] Southland also has the world’s largest raw milk-processing plant at the town of Edendale which was established by Fonterra.[18]

Other sizeable industries in Southland include coal and hydroelectric power.[16] Eastern Southland has significant deposits of lignite which are considered to be New Zealand's biggest fossil fuel energy resource.[19] Solid Energy operates open cast lignite mines at Newvale and Ohai.

Southland contains 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 has generated much controversy from environmental groups which initiated the Save Manapouri Campaign in opposition to rising water levels in nearby lakes. The sub-national GDP of the Southland region was estimated at US$3.023 billion in 2003, 2% of New Zealand's national GDP.[20]

Tourism spending is a major factor of the Southland economy, with NZ$ 368 million being spent by visitors in 2003, of which NZ$ 92 million was spent in the Fiordland area.[21] In July, 2007 the New Zealand Government awarded oil and gas exploration permits for four areas of the Great South Basin. The three successful permit holders were ExxonMobil New Zealand, OMV and Greymouth Petroleum. [22]