Bluecliffs where a state of emergency was declared, 8 February 2024. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
The local state of emergency for Bluecliffs in Southland has been extended for another week.
Emergency managers are worried about the effect of rapid erosion from the sea and Waiau River on 18 properties and a local state of emergency was declared in the area on 8 February 2024.
Emergency Management Southland controller Simon Mapp said they were continuing to open the cut at the river mouth to the sea and it was hoped to be complete later this week.
Work continued on ways to clear the local tip site with a specialist on site on Wednesday to investigate the options, he said.
The bar opening depends on tides and swells.
Meridian Energy is also managing the river flow to ease the pressure.
"It's a highly complex and changing environment, and it's unknown how well this opening may work or how much time this might provide the residents," Mapp said.
Emergency Management Southland would restrict public access to the boat ramp and some roads in the area, he said.
There had been reports of people visiting the area to have a look but for the safety of residents and those working there, any unnecessary travel to the area should be avoided while a state of emergency was in place, he said.