The Stead St Pump Station is described by Environment Southland as an "energy efficient, fish-friendly facility" that forms part of a comprehensive flood protection scheme.
The $11 million project could prove crucial for the low-lying city in the event of heavy rainfall, while also providing safe passage for fish through its special Archimedes screw design.
On Friday, the ribbon was cut at a ceremony attended by rūnaka representatives, southern mayors, and Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson.
"This station is a strategic asset for Southland.
It is a critical protection for 116 properties in the immediate area, and it’s a lifeline for our community and the nationally significant infrastructure of the Invercargill Airport."
A special thanks was given to both Waihōpai Rūnaka and Te Rūnaka o Awarua for their work in developing the story of the place, which would soon include artwork and interpretation panels.
Te Rūnaka o Awarua chairman Dean Whaanga gave a karakia to bless the site and told those gathered it was both an important project and piece of whenua for Ngāi Tahu.
— Matthew Rosenberg, Local Democracy Reporter
— LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air
