Confusion in Southland around work being completed to open the Waiau River mouth

Local Civil Defence officials incorrectly announced the work had been completed last Thursday, despite it actually being 90 percent finished.

Opening the bar will help manage the river flow in Bluecliffs, after the area suffered exponential erosion due to recent rainfall.

Mayor Rob Scott says a local State of Emergency will stay in place while the risk to residents remains high.

He says there's been heavy rainfall in Fiordland over the weekend - so without any mediation in place, the problem will just continue.