On Monday, the regional council announced it would use its emergency powers under the Resource Management Act to mechanically open the Waituna Lagoon to the sea as the lagoon had been very high for several weeks, sitting above 2.5m. It was impacting communities, roads and farmlands.
A council spokeswoman said hard work yesterday resulted in the lagoon being opened to the sea late afternoon.
She said this was not the first time the lagoon had been opened — it actually had been opened quite regularly over the years.
The work was previously carried out by the Lake Waituna Control Association, which held the consent but that had expired.
Environment Southland had now received a joint application that was lodged for longer-term management of the lagoon, she said.
"While that process is under way and there’s not a consent in place, the only way to manage an opening is through the use of the Resource Management Act and the emergency powers that Environment Southland hold."
The last time the lagoon was mechanically opened was in January, which was to prevent a toxic algal bloom causing ecological harm.
"The lagoon, which closes naturally by the sea, remained open for 59 days."
The Waituna Lagoon is part of the Awarua-Waituna wetland complex and recognised as a wetland of international significance.
It is home to many species of native birds, plants, fish and insects, and is a culturally important site for Ngāi Tahu. The lagoon is also a significant trout fishery and a popular walking area.
