Bluecliffs and the Waiau River. Photo: RNZ/Tess Brunton
Work to open the Waiau River mouth away from Southland properties, which are at risk of eroding into the sea, will be paused from Sunday.
A state of emergency was declared on last Thursday due to concerns of rapid erosion from the sea and river.
It was extended another week on Wednesday.
Emergency Management Southland said work to open the river bar had been going since Tuesday but it had proved more challenging than anticipated.
Group controller Simon Mapp said they had hope to have it open by the weekend.
"But the scale of the work required combined with the predicted strong sea swells and gale force winds from Sunday to Tuesday mean that this work will need to be paused," Mapp said.
"Works will halt from Sunday 18 February for health and safety reasons and will most likely return to the area early on Wednesday 21 February, if conditions are safe. We're hopeful the work will be completed by the end of next week.
"We know residents want to see this work completed as soon as possible, however the safety of those doing this work is paramount given the challenging physical environment."