View source for Otago

{{short description|Region of New Zealand}}
{{other uses|Otago (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2014}}
{{Use New Zealand English|date=October 2014}}
{{Infobox settlement
| name               = Otago
| official_name      = 
| native_name        = {{native name|mi|Ōtākou}}
| settlement_type    = [[Regions of New Zealand|Region]]
| total_type         = Region
| motto              = 
| image_flag         = Flag of Otago.svg
| image_map          = {{New Zealand region map|Otago|250px}}
| map_caption        = Otago within New Zealand
| subdivision_type   = Country
| subdivision_name   = [[New Zealand]]
| subdivision_type1  = Island
| subdivision_name1  = [[South Island]]
| seat               = [[Dunedin]]
| parts_type         = [[Territorial authorities of New Zealand|Territorial authorities]]
| parts_style        = list
| p1                 = [[Queenstown-Lakes District]]
| p2                 = [[Central Otago District]]
| p3                 = [[Dunedin|Dunedin City]]
| p4                 = [[Clutha District]]
| p5                 = [[Waitaki, New Zealand|Waitaki District]] (40.39%)
| leader_title       = Chair
| leader_name        = [[Gretchen Robertson]]
| leader_title1      = Deputy Chair
| leader_name1       = [[Lloyd McCall]]
| established_title  = Established
| established_date   = 1848 (Dunedin settlement)<br/>1852 ([[Otago Province]])
| area_total_km2     = 31251
| area_land_km2      = 31186.16
| population_as_of   = {{NZ population data 2018|||y}}
| population_footnotes = {{NZ population data 2018||||y}}
| population_total   = {{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}
| population_density_km2 = auto
| demographics_type2 = GDP
| demographics2_footnotes = <ref>{{cite web |date=24 March 2023 |title=Regional gross domestic product: Year ended March 2022 |url=https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/regional-gross-domestic-product-year-ended-march-2022/ |access-date=4 April 2023 |publisher=[[Statistics New Zealand]] |archive-date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515075122/https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/regional-gross-domestic-product-year-ended-march-2022/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
| demographics2_title1 = Total
| demographics2_info1 = [[New Zealand dollar|NZ$]]15.336 billion (2021) ([[List of regions of New Zealand by GDP|6th]])
| demographics2_title2 = Per capita
| demographics2_info2 = NZ$62,518 (2021)
| blank_name_sec1    = [[Human Development Index|HDI]] (2023)
| blank_info_sec1    = 0.935<ref name="GlobalDataLab">{{Cite web |url=https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |title=Sub-national HDI – Area Database – Global Data Lab |website=hdi.globaldatalab.org |language=en |access-date=18 February 2023 |archive-date=23 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180923120638/https://hdi.globaldatalab.org/areadata/shdi/ |url-status=live }}</ref><br/>{{color|#090|very high}} · [[List of regions of New Zealand by Human Development Index|6th]]
| timezone           = [[Time in New Zealand|NZST]]
| utc_offset         = +12:00
| timezone_DST       = NZDT
| utc_offset_DST     = +13:00
| website            = [https://www.orc.govt.nz/ www.orc.govt.nz]
| image_shield       = 
| governing_body     = [[Otago Regional Council]]
}}

'''Otago'''{{efn|{{IPAc-en|audio=En-nz-Otago.ogg|ə|ˈ|t|ɑː|ɡ|oʊ}}, {{IPAc-en|oʊ|-|,_|ɒ|-}}{{refn|{{Citation |last=Jones |first=Daniel |author-link=Daniel Jones (phonetician) |title=English Pronouncing Dictionary |editor1=Peter Roach |editor2=James Hartmann |editor3=Jane Setter |place=Cambridge |publisher=Cambridge University Press |orig-year=1917 |year=2003 |isbn=3-12-539683-2}}}}; {{langx|mi|Ōtākou}} {{IPA|mi|3=|ɔːˈtaːkou|audio=Ōtākou Pronunciation.wav}}|group=main }} is a [[regions of New Zealand|region of New Zealand]] located in the southern half of the [[South Island]] and administered by the [[Otago Regional Council]]. It has an area of approximately {{convert|32000|km2}},<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.orc.govt.nz/About-us-and-the-Region/About-the-Region/ |title=About the Otago region |publisher=Otago Regional Council |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100830235554/http://www.orc.govt.nz/About-us-and-the-Region/About-the-Region/ |archive-date=30 August 2010}}</ref> making it the country's second largest local government region. Its population was {{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y|y|y| in |.}}

The name "Otago" is the local [[Māori language#South Island dialects|southern Māori dialect]] pronunciation of "[[Otakou|Ōtākou]]", the name of the Māori village near the entrance to [[Otago Harbour]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |first=Malcolm |last=McKinnon |date=1 May 2015 |title=Otago region – The Otago settlement |url= https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-5 |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand|Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=26 May 2025}}</ref><ref>Peter Entwisle, ''Behold the Moon: The European Occupation of the Dunedin District 1770–1848'', Dunedin, NZ: Port Daniel Press, 1998 ({{ISBN|0-473-05591-0}}), appendix 1 pp.136–139.</ref> The exact meaning of the term is disputed, with common translations being "isolated village" and "place of red earth", the latter referring to the reddish-ochre clay that is common in the area around [[Dunedin]]. "Otago" is also the old name of the European settlement on the harbour, established by the [[Weller Brothers]] in 1831, which lies close to [[Otakou]]. The upper harbour later became the focus of the [[Otago Association]], an offshoot of the [[Free Church of Scotland (1843–1900)|Free Church of Scotland]], notable for its adoption of the principle that ordinary people, not the landowner, should choose the ministers.

Major centres include Dunedin (the principal city), [[Oamaru]], [[Balclutha, New Zealand|Balclutha]], [[Alexandra, New Zealand|Alexandra]], and the major tourist centres [[Queenstown, New Zealand|Queenstown]] and [[Wānaka]]. [[Kaitangata, New Zealand|Kaitangata]] in [[South Otago]] is a prominent source of [[coal]]. The [[Clutha River|Clutha]] river provides much of the country's [[hydroelectricity|hydroelectric]] power. [[Vineyard]]s and wineries have been developed in the [[Central Otago wine region]]. Some parts of the area originally covered by [[Otago Province]] are now in either [[Canterbury Regional Council]] or [[Southland Regional Council]].

==History==
{{main|History of Otago}}
Like the rest of New Zealand, Otago was first settled by the [[Māori people]]. Most of the Māori settlement in the region was on the coast and centred around the [[Otago Peninsula]].<ref>{{cite journal |last1=Atik |first1=Meryem |last2=Swaffield |first2=Simon |title=Place names and landscape character: a case study from Otago Region, New Zealand |url= https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/01426397.2017.1283395 |journal=Landscape Research |volume=42 |issue=5 |date=4 July 2017 |issn=0142-6397 |doi=10.1080/01426397.2017.1283395 |pages=455–470|url-access=subscription }}</ref>

The European Otago settlement, an offshoot of the [[Free Church of Scotland (1843–1900)|Free Church of Scotland]], was founded in March 1848 with the arrival of the first two immigrant ships from [[Greenock]] on the [[Firth of Clyde]] — the ''[[John Wickliffe (ship)|John Wickliffe]]'' and the ''Philip Laing''. Captain [[William Cargill (New Zealand politician)|William Cargill]], a veteran of the [[Peninsular War]], was the secular leader. Otago citizens elected him to the office of provincial superintendent after the [[Provinces of New Zealand|New Zealand provinces]] were created in 1853.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last1=McKinnon |first1=Malcolm |title=Otago region – The Otago settlement |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-5 |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=16 April 2020 |date=1 May 2015 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515075123/https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-5 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Otago Province]] covered the whole of New Zealand from the [[Waitaki River]] south, including Stewart Island and the sub-Antarctic islands. It included the territory of the later [[Southland Province]] and also the much more extensive lands of the modern [[Southland Region]].

[[File:Arrowtown (4678481119).jpg|thumb|upright|left|[[Arrowtown]], a historic mining town]]
[[Image:University of Otago.jpg|thumb|upright=1.3|The [[University of Otago]], New Zealand's oldest university, founded in 1869]]

Initial settlement was concentrated on the port and city, then expanded, notably to the south-west, where the fertile [[Taieri Plains]] offered good farmland.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last1=McKinnon |first1=Malcolm |title=Otago region – Wool and farming |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-6 |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=16 April 2020 |date=1 May 2015 |archive-date=1 December 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181201135246/https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-6 |url-status=live }}</ref> The 1860s saw rapid commercial expansion after [[Gabriel Read]] discovered gold at [[Gabriel's Gully]] near [[Lawrence, New Zealand|Lawrence]] in 1861, and the [[Otago gold rush]] ensued.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last1=McKinnon |first1=Malcolm |title=Otago region – Gold and development |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-7 |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=16 April 2020 |date=1 May 2015 |archive-date=30 November 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181130155123/https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-7 |url-status=live }}</ref> Veterans of goldfields in California and Australia, plus many other fortune-seekers from Europe, North America and China, poured into the Province of Otago, eroding its Scottish [[Presbyterian]] character. Further gold discoveries at [[Clyde, New Zealand|Clyde]] and on the Arrow River around [[Arrowtown]] led to a boom, and Otago became for a period the cultural and economic centre of New Zealand. New Zealand's first daily newspaper, the ''[[Otago Daily Times]]'', originally edited by [[Julius Vogel]], dates from this period.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |last1=McKinnon |first1=Malcolm |title=Otago region – Art, writing and music |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-14 |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=16 April 2020 |date=1 May 2015 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515075203/https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-14 |url-status=live }}</ref>

New Zealand's first university, the [[University of Otago]], was founded in 1869 as the provincial university in Dunedin.<ref>{{cite web |title=History of the University of Otago |url=https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/history/index.html |website=www.otago.ac.nz |date=7 August 2019 |publisher=University of Otago |access-date=16 April 2020 |language=en-nz |archive-date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515075120/https://www.otago.ac.nz/about/history |url-status=live }}</ref>

The Province of Southland separated from Otago Province and set up its own Provincial Council at [[Invercargill]] in 1861. After difficulties ensued, Otago re-absorbed it in 1870. Its territory is included in the southern region of the old Otago Province which is named after it and is now the territory of the Southland region. The provincial governments were abolished in 1876 when the Abolition of the Provinces Act came into force on 1 November 1876,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://rulers.org/newzprov.html |title=New Zealand Provinces 1848–77 |access-date=10 December 2010 |archive-date=29 April 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180429031451/http://www.rulers.org/newzprov.html |url-status=live }}</ref> and were replaced by other forms of local authority, including counties. Two in Otago were named after the Scottish independence heroes [[William Wallace|Wallace]] and [[Robert I of Scotland|Bruce]]. From this time the national limelight gradually shifted northwards.

Otago's flag was chosen from a 2004 competition. It was designed by Gregor Macaulay.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.odt.co.nz/news/dunedin/picks-underwhelming-otago-flag-designer-says |title=Picks 'underwhelming', Otago flag designer says |website=www.odt.co.nz |publisher=[[Otago Daily Times]] |first=Carla |last=Green |date=2 September 2015 |access-date= 5 February 2023}}</ref>

==Geography==
[[File:Autumn in Otago, New Zealand.jpg|thumb|Autumn in Otago, 2004]]

Beginning in the west, the geography of Otago consists of high alpine mountains. The highest peak in Otago (and highest outside the [[Aoraki / Mount Cook]] area) is [[Mount Aspiring / Tititea]],<ref name="landscape">{{cite encyclopedia |last1=McKinnon |first1=Malcolm |title=Otago region – Geology and landscape |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-2 |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=16 April 2020 |language=en-NZ |date=1 May 2015 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515075139/https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-2 |url-status=live }}</ref> which is on the [[Main Divide]]. From the high mountains the rivers discharge into large glacial lakes. In this part of Otago [[glacial]] activity – both recent and very old – dominates the landscape, with large [[U-shaped valley]]s and rivers which have high sediment loads. River flows also vary dramatically, with large flood flows occurring after heavy rain. Lakes [[Lake Wakatipu|Wakatipu]], [[Lake Wānaka|Wānaka]], and [[Lake Hāwea|Hāwea]] form the sources of the [[Clutha River / Mata-Au]], the largest river (by discharge) in New Zealand. The Clutha flows generally to the southeast through Otago and discharges near [[Balclutha, New Zealand|Balclutha]]. The river has been used for [[hydroelectricity|hydroelectric power]] generation, with large dams at [[Clyde, New Zealand|Clyde]] and [[Roxburgh, New Zealand|Roxburgh]]. 

[[File:Kawarau Gorge and Roaring Meg.jpg|thumb|left|[[Kawarau Gorge]], where [[Roaring Meg hydro scheme|Roaring Meg]] joins the [[Kawarau River]], in central Otago]]
[[File:Beaumont, New Zealand aerial photo 2006.jpg|thumb|The [[Beaumont, New Zealand|Beaumont]] area, looking southwest. [[State Highway 8 (New Zealand)|State Highway 8]] runs across the photo (only visible in the right half), crossing the [[Clutha River]] just below centre.]]
[[File:Mount Aspiring, Otago, New Zealand, 22 July 2005.jpg|thumb|[[Mount Aspiring / Tititea]] is New Zealand's highest mountain outside the [[Aoraki / Mount Cook]] region.]]

The country's fourth-longest river, the [[Taieri River|Taieri]], also has both its source and outflow in Otago, rising from rough hill country and following a broad horseshoe-shaped path, north, then east, and finally southeast, before reaching the Pacific Ocean. Along its course it forms two notable geographic features – the broad high valley of the [[Strath-Taieri]] in its upper reaches, and the fertile [[Taieri Plains]] as it approaches the ocean.

Travelling east from the mountains, the [[Central Otago]] drylands predominate. These are [[Canterbury–Otago tussock grasslands]] dominated by the block mountains, upthrust [[schist]] mountains. In contrast to Canterbury, where the Northwest winds blow across the plains without interruption, in Otago the block mountains impede and dilute the effects of the [[Nor'west arch|Nor'wester]].

The main Central Otago centres, such as [[Alexandra, New Zealand|Alexandra]] and [[Cromwell, New Zealand|Cromwell]], are found in the intermontane basins between the block mountains. The schist bedrock influence extends to the eastern part of Otago, where remnant volcanics mark its edge. The remains of the most spectacular of these are the Miocene volcanics centred on [[Otago Harbour]]. Elsewhere, basalt outcrops can be found along the coast and at other sites.

Comparatively similar terrain exists in the high plateau land of the [[Maniototo Plain]], which lies to the east of Central Otago, close to the upper reaches of the Taieri River. This area is sparsely populated, but of historical note for its importance during the [[Otago gold rush]] of the 1860s. The townships of [[Ranfurly, New Zealand|Ranfurly]] and [[Naseby, New Zealand|Naseby]] also lie in this area.

In the southeastern corner of Otago lies [[The Catlins]],<ref name="landscape"/> an area of rough hill country which geologically forms part of the Murihiku [[terrane]], an accretion which extends inland through the [[Hokonui Hills]] in the [[Southland, New Zealand|Southland]] region. This itself forms part of a larger system known as the Southland [[Syncline]], which links to similar formations in [[Nelson, New Zealand|Nelson]] (offset by the [[Alpine Fault]]) and even in [[New Caledonia]], {{cvt|3500|km|mi}} away.<ref name="Heads1989">Heads, Michael (1989). [https://books.google.com/books?id=mypPBKZTdKEC&pg=PA572 Integrating earth and life sciences in New Zealand natural history: the parallel arcs model], ''New Zealand Journal of Zoology'' 16, pp. 549–585.</ref>

The Catlins ranges are [[strike ridge]]s composed of [[Triassic]] and [[Jurassic]] [[sandstone]]s, [[mudstone]]s and other related sedimentary rocks, often with a high incidence of [[feldspar]]. Fossils of the late and middle Triassic [[New Zealand geologic time scale|Warepan and Kaihikuan]] stages are found in the area.

==Climate==
Weather conditions vary enormously across Otago, but can be broken into two broad types: the coastal climate of the coastal regions and the more continental climate of the interior.<ref name="climate">{{cite encyclopedia |last1=McKinnon |first1=Malcolm |title=Otago region – Climate, plants and animals |url=https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-3 |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=16 April 2020 |language=en-NZ |date=1 May 2015 |archive-date=12 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200812220246/https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-3 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Coastal regions of Otago are subject to the alternating warm and dry/cool and wet weather patterns common to the interannual [[Southern oscillation]]. The Southern Hemisphere storm track produces an irregular short cycle of weather which repeats roughly every week, with three or four days of fine weather followed by three or four days of cooler, damp conditions. Drier conditions are often the result of the [[Nor'west arch|northwesterly]] [[föhn]] wind, which dries as it crosses the [[Southern Alps]]. Wetter air is the result of approaching low-pressure systems which sweep fronts over the country from the southwest. A common variant in this pattern is the centring of a stationary low-pressure zone to the southeast of the country, resulting in long-lasting cool, wet conditions. These have been responsible for several notable historical floods, such as the "hundred year floods" of October 1878 and October 1978.

Typically, winters are cool and wet in the extreme south areas and snow can fall and settle to sea level in winter, especially in the hills and plains of [[South Otago]]. More Central and Northern Coastal areas winter is sunnier and drier. Summers, by contrast, tend to be warm and dry, with temperatures often reaching the high 20s and low 30s Celsius.

In [[Central Otago]] cold frosty winters are succeeded by hot dry summers. Central Otago's climate is the closest approximation to a continental climate anywhere in New Zealand. This climate is part of the reason why [[Central Otago wines|Central Otago vineyards]] are successful in this region. This inland region is one of the driest regions in the country, sheltered from prevailing rain-bearing weather conditions by the high mountains to the west and hills of the south. Summers can be hot, with temperatures often approaching or exceeding 30 degrees Celsius; winters, by contrast, are often bitterly cold – the township of [[Ranfurly, New Zealand|Ranfurly]] in Central Otago holds the New Zealand record for lowest temperature with a reading of −25.6&nbsp;°C on 18 July 1903.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Brenstrum |first1=Erick |title=Broken record |url=https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/broken-record/ |access-date=16 April 2020 |work=[[New Zealand Geographic]] |issue=137 |date=2016 |language=en-NZ |archive-date=11 August 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200811005842/https://www.nzgeo.com/stories/broken-record/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Population==
Otago Region covers {{cvt|31186.16|km2}}.<ref name="Area">{{Cite web |title=ArcGIS Web Application |url=https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787 |access-date=29 February 2024 |website=statsnz.maps.arcgis.com |archive-date=24 March 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230324152440/https://statsnz.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=6f49867abe464f86ac7526552fe19787 |url-status=live }}</ref> The population is {{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y|}} as of {{NZ population data 2018|||y|y||,}}<ref name="NZ_population_data_2018" /> which is approximately {{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|New Zealand|y}}|R}}*100|1}} percent of New Zealand's total population of {{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|New Zealand|y}}|R}}/1000000|1}} million. The population density is {{Decimals|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}/31186.16|1}} people per km<sup>2</sup>. About {{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Dunedin|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}} percent of the population resides in the Dunedin urban area—the region's main city and the country's sixth largest urban area. For historical and geographical reasons, Dunedin is usually regarded as one of New Zealand's four main centres. Unlike other southern centres, Dunedin's population has not declined since the 1970s, largely due to the presence of the [[University of Otago]] – and especially its [[University of Otago Dunedin School of Medicine|medical school]] – which attracts students from all over New Zealand and overseas.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/11 |title=Otago region: Population and employment since 1920 |last=McKinnon |first=Malcolm |date=17 August 2009 |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=18 February 2010 |archive-date=21 October 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091021041339/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/11 |url-status=live }}</ref>

Other significant urban centres in Otago with populations over 1,000 include: [[Queenstown, New Zealand|Queenstown]], [[Oamaru]], [[Wānaka]], [[Port Chalmers]], [[Cromwell, New Zealand|Cromwell]], [[Alexandra, New Zealand|Alexandra]], [[Balclutha, New Zealand|Balclutha]], [[Milton, New Zealand|Milton]] and [[Mosgiel]]. Between 1996 and 2006, the population of the [[Queenstown-Lakes District]] grew by 60% due to the region's booming [[tourism]] industry.<ref name="orr">{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/1 |title=Otago region: Overview |last=McKinnon |first=Malcolm |date=19 August 2009 |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=18 February 2010 |archive-date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515075128/https://teara.govt.nz/en/otago-region/page-1 |url-status=live }}</ref>

{| class="wikitable floatleft"
|+ [[Urban areas of New Zealand|Urban areas]] in Otago
|-
! Urban area
! Population<br /><small>({{NZ population data 2018|||y|y||)}}</small>
! % of region
|-
|[[Dunedin]]{{efn|Includes [[Port Chalmers]].|group=pop}}
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Dunedin|y}}
|align=right|{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Dunedin|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Queenstown, New Zealand|Queenstown]]
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Queenstown|y}}
|align=right|{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Queenstown|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Mosgiel]]
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Mosgiel|y}}
|align=right|{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Mosgiel|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Oamaru]]
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Oamaru|y}}
|align=right|{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Oamaru|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Wānaka]]
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Wanaka|y}}
|align=right|{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Wanaka|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Cromwell, New Zealand|Cromwell]]
| align="right" |{{NZ population data 2018|Cromwell|y}}
| align="right" |{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Cromwell|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Alexandra, New Zealand|Alexandra]]
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Alexandra|y}}
|align=right|{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Alexandra|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Balclutha, New Zealand|Balclutha]]
| align="right" |{{NZ population data 2018|Balclutha|y}}
| align="right" |{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Balclutha|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Arrowtown]]
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Arrowtown|y}}
|align=right|{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Arrowtown|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Milton, New Zealand|Milton]]
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Milton|y}}
|align=right|{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Milton|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Brighton, New Zealand|Brighton]]
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Brighton|y}}
|align=right|{{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Brighton|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Waikouaiti]]
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Waikouaiti|y}} 
|align=right| {{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Waikouaiti|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|[[Clyde, New Zealand|Clyde]]
|align=right| {{NZ population data 2018|Clyde|y}}
|align=right| {{Rnd|{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Clyde|y}}|R}}/{{formatnum:{{NZ population data 2018|Otago region|y}}|R}}*100|1}}%
|-
|colspan="3"|{{notelist|group=pop}}
|}
{{Historical populations
|1991|177,525
|1996|185,085
|2001|181,542
|2006|193,803
|2013|202,470
|2018|225,186
|2023|240,900
|percentages=pagr|align=right|source=<ref name="Census 2023"/><ref>{{Cite web |url=http://archive.stats.govt.nz/Census/2001-census-data/2001-census-regional-summary.aspx |title=2001 Census: Regional summary |website=archive.stats.govt.nz |language=en-nz |access-date=28 April 2020 |archive-date=29 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200929211821/http://archive.stats.govt.nz/Census/2001-census-data/2001-census-regional-summary.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref>}}
{| class="wikitable" style="float:right;"
|+Largest groups of overseas-born residents<ref name="2013culture">{{cite web |title=Birthplace (detailed), for the census usually resident population count, 2006, 2013, and 2018 Censuses (RC, TA, SA2, DHB) |url=https://nzdotstat.stats.govt.nz/wbos/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=TABLECODE8279 |access-date= |publisher=Statistics New Zealand |archive-date=15 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240515075118/https://nzdotstat.stats.govt.nz/wbos/Index.aspx?DataSetCode=TABLECODE8279 |url-status=live }}</ref>
|-
!Nationality || Population (2018)
|-
| England|| 10,710
|-
| Australia || 5,160
|-
| China || 2,442
|-
| United States of America || 2,226
|-
| Philippines || 2,157
|-
| India || 2,046
|-
| Scotland || 1,908
|-
| South Africa || 1,755
|-
| Germany || 1,134
|-
|Brazil
|1,089
|}
{{clear}}
Otago had a population of 240,900 in the [[2023 New Zealand census]], an increase of 15,714 people (7.0%) since the [[2018 New Zealand census|2018 census]], and an increase of 38,430 people (19.0%) since the [[2013 New Zealand census|2013 census]]. There were 118,524 males, 121,185 females and 1,188 people of [[non-binary gender|other genders]] in 94,425 dwellings.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_005&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=doTotal%2Bdo1.14.2023&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_DWD_003|publisher=Stats NZ - Tatauranga Aotearoa - Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for dwellings, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses}}</ref> 4.3% of people identified as [[LGBTQ|LGBTIQ+]]. The median age was 38.4 years (compared with 38.1 years nationally). There were 37,749 people (15.7%) aged under 15 years, 53,532 (22.2%) aged 15 to 29, 106,926 (44.4%) aged 30 to 64, and 42,690 (17.7%) aged 65 or older.<ref name="Census 2023"/>
[[File:2023 NZ Census Population Density - Otago Region.png|thumb|right| A map showing population density in the Otago Region at the 2023 census]]

People could identify as more than one ethnicity. The results were 85.2% [[European New Zealanders|European]] ([[Pākehā]]); 9.9% [[Māori people|Māori]]; 3.4% [[Pasifika New Zealanders|Pasifika]]; 8.5% [[Asian New Zealanders|Asian]]; 2.2% Middle Eastern, Latin American and African New Zealanders (MELAA); and 2.7% other, which includes people giving their ethnicity as "New Zealander". English was spoken by 97.5%, Māori language by 1.9%, Samoan by 0.6% and other languages by 11.9%. No language could be spoken by 1.7% (e.g. too young to talk). [[New Zealand Sign Language]] was known by 0.5%. The percentage of people born overseas was 23.8, compared with 28.8% nationally.

Religious affiliations were 28.4% [[Christianity in New Zealand|Christian]], 1.0% [[Hinduism in New Zealand|Hindu]], 0.8% [[Islam in New Zealand|Islam]], 0.2% [[Māori religious beliefs]], 0.7% [[Buddhism in New Zealand|Buddhist]], 0.5% [[New Age]], 0.1% [[Judaism in New Zealand|Jewish]],  and 1.4% other religions. People who answered that they had [[Irreligion in New Zealand|no religion]] were 60.3%, and 6.6% of people did not answer the census question.

Of those at least 15 years old, 40,458 (19.9%) people had a bachelor's or higher degree, 106,080 (52.2%) had a post-high school certificate or diploma, and 43,974 (21.6%) people exclusively held high school qualifications. The median income was $39,100, compared with $41,500 nationally. 19,692 people (9.7%) earned over $100,000 compared to 12.1% nationally. The employment status of those at least 15 was that 101,514 (50.0%) people were employed full-time, 31,086 (15.3%) were part-time, and 4,848 (2.4%) were unemployed.<ref name="Census 2023">{{Cite web|url=https://explore.data.stats.govt.nz/vis?fs[0]=2023%20Census%2C0%7CTotals%20by%20topic%23CAT_TOTALS_BY_TOPIC%23&pg=0&fc=Variable%20codes&bp=true&snb=9&df[ds]=ds-nsiws-disseminate&df[id]=CEN23_TBT_008&df[ag]=STATSNZ&df[vs]=1.0&dq=hq011%2Bhq010%2Bhq009%2Bhq008%2Bhq007%2Bhq006%2Bhq005%2Bhq004%2Bhq003%2Bhq002%2Bhq001%2Bhq000%2Bws1%2Bsp99%2Bra80%2Bra08%2Bra07%2Bra06%2Bra05%2Bra01%2Bra04%2Bra03%2Bra02%2Bra00%2Brb1%2Bls66%2Bls03%2Bls02%2Bls05%2Bls04%2Bls01%2Beg6%2Beg5%2Beg4%2Beg3%2Beg2%2Beg1%2BbiTotal%2Bbi0%2Bbi1%2BasTotalLG%2Bas4%2Bas3%2Bas2%2Bas1%2Bws4%2Bws3%2Bws2%2Bge3%2Bge2%2Bge1%2Brc%2BasMed%2BegTotal%2BlsTotal%2BgeTotal%2BrbTotal%2BraTotal%2BhqTotal%2BibTotal%2Bibmed%2BwsTotal.14.2013%2B2018%2B2023&to[TIME]=false&ly[rw]=CEN23_TBT_IND_003&ly[cl]=CEN23_YEAR_001|publisher=Stats NZ - Tatauranga Aotearoa - Aotearoa Data Explorer|access-date=3 October 2024|title=Totals by topic for individuals, (RC, TALB, UR, SA3, SA2, Ward, Health), 2013, 2018, and 2023 Censuses|at=Otago Region (14)}}</ref>

The majority of the population of European lineage is of [[Scotland|Scottish]] stock—the descendants of early Scottish settlers from the early 19th century. Other well-represented European groups include those of English, Irish, and Dutch descent. A large proportion of the Māori population are from the [[Ngāi Tahu]] [[iwi]] or tribe. Other significant ethnic minorities include Asians, Pacific Islanders, Africans, Latin Americans and Middle Easterners.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2006CensusHomePage/QuickStats/AboutAPlace/SnapShot.aspx?type=region&ParentID=1000001&tab=Culturaldiversity&id=1000014 |title=QuickStats About Otago: Cultural Diversity |publisher=Statistics New Zealand |access-date=18 February 2010 |archive-date=16 November 2009 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091116012524/http://www.stats.govt.nz/Census/2006CensusHomePage/QuickStats/AboutAPlace/SnapShot.aspx?ParentID=1000001&type=region&tab=Culturaldiversity&id=1000014 |url-status=live }}</ref> Otago's early waves of settlement, especially during and immediately after the gold rush of the 1860s, included a substantial minority of southern ([[Guangdong]]) Chinese settlers, and a smaller but also prominent number of people from [[Lebanon]].<ref>{{cite encyclopedia |url=http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/middle-eastern-peoples/1 |title=Middle Eastern peoples – The Lebanese |last1=Veitch |first1=James |last2=Tinawi |first2=Dalia |encyclopedia=[[Te Ara: The Encyclopedia of New Zealand]] |access-date=16 April 2020 |date=1 March 2015 |archive-date=5 November 2012 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121105082443/http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/middle-eastern-peoples/1 |url-status=live }}</ref> The region's Jewish population also experienced a small influx at this time. The early and middle years of the twentieth century saw smaller influxes of immigrants from several mainland European countries, most notably the [[Netherlands]].

In line with the region's Scottish heritage, [[Presbyterianism]] is the largest Christian denomination with 17.1 percent affiliating, while [[Roman Catholic Church|Catholicism]] is the second-largest denomination with 11.5 percent affiliating.<ref name="quickstats_culture">{{cite web |url=http://www.stats.govt.nz/~/media/Statistics/Census/2013%20Census/profile-and-summary-reports/quickstats-culture-identity/tables.xls |title=2013 Census QuickStats about culture and identity – data tables |publisher=[[Statistics New Zealand]] |date=15 April 2014 |access-date=2 February 2016 |archive-date=24 May 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140524102811/http://www.stats.govt.nz/~/media/Statistics/Census/2013%20Census/profile-and-summary-reports/quickstats-culture-identity/tables.xls |url-status=dead }} Note some percentages may not add to 100 percent as people could give multiple responses or object to answering.</ref>

{{Location map many | New Zealand Otago peninsula
 | caption = Locations of main settlements in Otago
 | width = 280
 | alt = Otago
 | float = right
 | border = 
 | label = [[Oamaru]]
 | pos1 = left
 | bg1 = lightblue
 | mark1size = 8
 | lat1_deg = -45.1101
 | lon1_deg =170.9757
 | label2 = [[Dunedin]]
 | pos2 = left
 | bg2 = lightblue
 | mark2size = 8
 | lat2_deg = -45.8741
 | lon2_deg = 170.5036
 | label3 = [[Queenstown, New Zealand|Queenstown]]
 | pos3 = top
 | bg3 = lightblue
 | lat3_deg = -45.0442
 | lon3_deg = 168.7038
 | label4 = [[Alexandra, New Zealand|Alexandra]]
 | pos4 = top
 | bg4 = lightblue
 | lat4_deg = -45.2334
 | lon4_deg = 169.3858
 | label5 = [[Balclutha, New Zealand|Balclutha]]
 | pos5 = left
 | bg5 = lightblue
 | lat5_deg = -46.2178
 | lon5_deg = 169.7322
 | label6 = [[Wānaka]]
 | pos6 = top
 | bg6 = lightblue
 | lat6_deg = -44.6846
 | lon6_deg = 169.0805
}}

==Politics==
===Local government===
The seat of the Otago Regional Council is in Dunedin. The council is chaired by Andrew Noone {{as of|2021|July|lc=on}}.

There are five [[territorial authorities of New Zealand|territorial authorities]] in Otago:
* [[Queenstown-Lakes District]]
* [[Central Otago District]]
* [[Dunedin|Dunedin City]]
* [[Clutha District]]
* [[Waitaki, New Zealand|Waitaki District]]

===Parliamentary representation===
Otago is represented by four [[New Zealand Parliament|parliamentary]] [[New Zealand electorates|electorates]]. Dunedin and nearby towns are represented by the [[Dunedin (New Zealand electorate)|Dunedin]] electorate, held by [[Rachel Brooking]], and the [[Taieri (New Zealand electorate)|Taieri]] electorate, occupied by [[Ingrid Leary]]. Both MPs are members of the Labour Party, and Dunedin has traditionally been a Labour stronghold. Since 2008 the rest of Otago has been divided between the large rural electorates of [[Waitaki (New Zealand electorate)|Waitaki]], which also includes some of the neighbouring [[Canterbury Region]], and [[Clutha-Southland]], which also includes most of the rural part of the neighbouring Southland Region. The Waitaki electorate has traditionally been a [[New Zealand National Party|National Party]] stronghold and is currently held by [[Miles Anderson (politician)|Miles Anderson]]. The [[Southland (New Zealand electorate)|Southland]] electorate, also a National Party stronghold, is currently represented by [[Joseph Mooney (New Zealand politician)|Joseph Mooney]]. The earlier [[Otago (New Zealand electorate)|Otago electorate]] existed from 1978 to 2008, when it was split and merged into Waitaki and Clutha-Southland.

Two [[Party-list proportional representation|list MPs]] are based in Dunedin – [[Michael Woodhouse]] of the National Party and [[Rachel Brooking]] of the Labour Party. One-time Labour Party Deputy Leader [[David Parker (New Zealand politician)|David Parker]] is a former MP for the Otago electorate and currently a list MP.

Under the [[Māori electorates]] system, Otago is also part of the large [[Te Tai Tonga (New Zealand electorate)|Te Tai Tonga]] electorate, which covers the entire South Island and surrounding islands, and is currently held by Te Pāti Māori Party MP [[Tākuta Ferris]].

=== Ngāi Tahu governance ===
Three of the 18 [[Ngāi Tahu]] [[Rūnanga]] (councils) are based in the Otago Region. Each one is centred on a coastal marae, namely [[Otakou|Ōtākou]], [[Moeraki]] and Puketeraki at [[Karitane]].<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/te-runanga-o-ngai-tahu/papatipu-runanga/ |title=Papatipu Rūnanga |website=Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu |language=en-NZ |access-date=30 January 2019 |archive-date=11 September 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180911081636/https://ngaitahu.iwi.nz/te-runanga-o-ngai-tahu/papatipu-runanga/ |url-status=live }}</ref> There is also the Arai Te Uru Marae in Dunedin.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.araiteuru.co.nz/ |title=Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora |website=Arai Te Uru Whare Hauora |language=en-NZ |access-date=30 January 2019 |archive-date=30 January 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190130162942/http://www.araiteuru.co.nz/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Economy==
The subnational gross domestic product (GDP) of Otago was estimated at NZ$14.18 billion<ref>{{Cite web |title=Regional gross domestic product: Year ended March 2020 {{!}} Stats NZ |url=https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/regional-gross-domestic-product-year-ended-march-2020 |access-date=27 May 2021 |website=www.stats.govt.nz |archive-date=29 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170429114110/http://www.stats.govt.nz/browse_for_stats/economic_indicators/NationalAccounts/rgdp-YeMar16-infographic.aspx |url-status=live }}</ref> in the year to March 2020, 4.38% of New Zealand's national GDP. The regional GDP per capita was estimated at $58,353 in the same period. In the year to March 2018, primary industries contributed $1.25 billion (9.8%) to the regional GDP, goods-producing industries contributed $2.38 billion (18.6%), service industries contributed $8.05 billion (63.0%), and taxes and duties contributed $1.10 billion (8.6%).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Regional gross domestic product: Year ended March 2019 {{!}} Stats NZ |url=https://www.stats.govt.nz/information-releases/regional-gross-domestic-product-year-ended-march-2019 |website=www.stats.govt.nz |access-date=21 May 2020}}</ref>

Otago has a mixed economy. Dunedin is home to manufacturing, publishing and technology-based industries. Rural economies have been reinvigorated in the 1990s and 2000s: in Clutha district, farms have been converted from sheep to more lucrative dairying. Vineyard planting and production remained modest until the middle of the 1990s when the [[New Zealand wine]] industry began to expand rapidly. The [[Central Otago wine region]] produces wine made from varieties such as the [[Pinot noir]], [[Chardonnay]], [[Sauvignon blanc]], [[Merlot]] and [[Riesling]] grapes. It has an increasing reputation as New Zealand's leading Pinot noir region.<ref>{{cite news |title=Central Otago wine success at home and abroad |date=11 November 2006 |url=http://www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK0611/S00117.htm |access-date=9 October 2007}}</ref>

The two main airports in the region are [[Dunedin Airport]] and [[Queenstown Airport]].

==Education==

Otago has numerous rural primary schools, several small town primary and secondary schools, and some larger schools in [[Dunedin]]. Most are state schools which do not charge tuition, except for international students.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://nzplc.massey.ac.nz/default.asp?page=docs/board/schoolfee.htm |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060714010803/http://nzplc.massey.ac.nz/default.asp?page=docs%2Fboard%2Fschoolfee.htm |url-status=dead |archive-date=14 July 2006 |title=School Donations & Fees |publisher=[[New Zealand Ministry of Education]] |date=23 June 1998 |access-date=23 June 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.edusearch.co.nz/content/nzschoolsystem.php |title=about NZ education |publisher=EduSearch |access-date=8 June 2008 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071206071452/http://www.edusearch.co.nz/content/nzschoolsystem.php |archive-date=6 December 2007}}</ref> Some are state integrated schools, former private schools with a special character based on a religious or philosophical belief that has been integrated into the state system, but still charge "attendance dues" to cover the building and maintenance of school buildings. These schools are not owned by the government, but otherwise they like state schools cannot charge fees for tuition of domestic students but may request a donation. As Dunedin was founded by [[Presbyterian]] Scottish settlers there are a Presbyterian girls' and boys' school in the city. Unlike other major cities in New Zealand, Dunedin does not have any private intermediate or high schools, as all remaining private intermediate and high schools have been integrated into the state system.

==See also==
* [[North Otago]], the northern area of the region
* [[Otago Central Rail Trail]]
* [[Otago Rugby Football Union]]
* [[North Otago Rugby Football Union]]

== Notes ==
{{Notelist|group=main}}

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*{{Wikivoyage-inline}}

*{{Commons category-inline|Otago Region}}

{{Regions of New Zealand|state=expanded}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Wikidatacoord|Q692912|region:NZ-OTA_type:adm1st|display=title}}

[[Category:Otago| ]]
[[Category:1848 establishments in New Zealand]]
[[Category:Populated places established in 1848]]
[[Category:Regions of New Zealand]]