claim: South Island is designated as the "mainland" by South Island denizens.
evidence: The South Island or Te Waipounamu -LRB- Maori -RRB- is the larger of the two major islands of New Zealand , the other being the smaller but more populous North Island .. Maori. Maori language. islands. Islands of New Zealand. North Island. North Island. It is bordered to the north by Cook Strait , to the west by the Tasman Sea , and to the south and east by the Pacific Ocean .. Cook Strait. Cook Strait. Tasman Sea. Tasman Sea. Pacific Ocean. Pacific Ocean. The South Island covers 150437 km2 and has a temperate climate .. temperate climate. temperate climate. It has a 32 percent larger landmass than the North Island so is sometimes referred to as the `` mainland '' of New Zealand , especially by South Island residents , but only 23 percent of New Zealand 's million inhabitants live there .. North Island. North Island. In the early stages of European -LRB- Pakeha -RRB- settlement of the country , the South Island had the majority of the European population and wealth due to the 1860s gold rushes .. European. New Zealand European. Pakeha. Pakeha. The North Island population overtook the South in the early 20th century , with 56 percent of the population living in the North in 1911 , and the drift north of people and businesses continued throughout the century .. North Island. North Island. In prose , the two main islands of New Zealand are called the North Island and the South Island , with the definite article .. islands. Islands of New Zealand. North Island. North Island