The Stead St pumping station is described by Environment Southland as an “energy efficient, fish friendly facility” that forms part of a comprehensive flood protection plan.
The $11 million project could be vital to the low-lying city during heavy rains, and could also provide safe passage for fish thanks to the special design of the Archimedes screw.
The ribbon was cut on Friday at a ceremony attended by rūnaka representatives, southern mayors and Deputy Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson.
Environment Southland chairman Nicol Horrell said the need for the new project arose from the ageing infrastructure dating back to the 1960s.
“This station is a strategic asset to Southland.
It is a vital protection for 116 properties in the immediate vicinity and is a lifeline to our community and the nationally important infrastructure of Invercargill Airport.”
The opening marked a “major milestone” for both flood protection and climate change resilience.
We would like to extend a special thanks to Waihōpai Rūnaka and Te Rūnaka o Awarua for their contribution to developing the story of the place, which will soon be expanded with artwork and interpretation panels.
Te Rūnaka o Awarua chairman Dean Whaanga offered a prayer to bless the site and told those gathered that it was both an important project and a piece of land for Ngāi Tahu.
— Matthew Rosenberg, local democracy reporter
— LDR is a local journalism organisation co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air