The Roger Sutton Boardwalk in Invercargill will remain closed into the New Year following storm damage that left the structure unstable. The boardwalk, which forms part of the Estuary Walkway, has been shut since extreme winds swept through Southland on 23 October.
Invercargill City Council Manager Parks and Recreation Caroline Rain confirmed that while most of the Estuary Walkway was reopened quickly, the boardwalk section remained unsafe.
“The storm in October did damage to the boardwalk’s foundation and decking. The structure remains unstable and isn’t fully supported in places,” she said. “The boardwalk passes over some incredibly deep, sandy mud, which we need to keep people out of.”
The boardwalk, which was built in 2007, required specialist construction using a floating platform to install support piles in the estuary. Similar expertise and equipment will be needed for the upcoming repairs.
Rain said sourcing a contractor with the right tools and environmental knowledge could take time. “This place is rich in birdlife, fish and native plants. In fixing the boardwalk, we need to make sure we aren’t damaging the surrounding environment. I anticipate it will take several months before the repairs can be completed.”
Signage and barriers will remain in place, and the Council plans to update the public when the boardwalk is safe to use again.
“We know this walkway – and the boardwalk in particular – is one of the most popular scenic spots in Invercargill. We really appreciate the community’s patience as we work to make it safe again.”
The boardwalk was named after local environmentalist Roger Sutton (1921–2006), who played a key role in transforming the former landfill site into a nature sanctuary. Sutton was recognised for his conservation work in the 1984 Queen’s Birthday Honours.