Southland Marks Fifteen Years Since Roof Collapse
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Southland is remembering one of its most dramatic weather events this month — fifteen years since a sudden spring snowstorm caused the roof of Stadium Southland to collapse. On Saturday 18th September 2010, heavy snow fell overnight, blanketing the region and leading to widespread disruption.
The collapse happened early in the morning, with photos taken just twenty minutes after the incident capturing the extent of the damage. Sean McLoney was on the scene and documented the twisted steel and shattered structure of what was once one of Invercargill’s key sports venues.
The snowstorm was part of a wider weather system that dumped an unusually large amount of snow across Southland. Spring storms are not uncommon in the region, but the intensity of this event caught many off guard.
Wrens, a long-standing decorating and homewares store on Yarrow Street, also suffered damage that day. Its roof, like that of Stadium Southland, collapsed under the weight of the snow. The event highlighted the vulnerability of even well-established buildings to extreme weather.
Adding to the challenge was the timing. September is peak lambing and calving season across rural Southland, and many farmers were already working around the clock to protect newborn stock. The sudden cold snap, paired with deep snow and power outages in some areas, created a stressful period for many in the rural community.
Fifteen years on, the images of Stadium Southland’s collapsed roof remain a strong reminder of how quickly weather can turn in the south. While the stadium has since been rebuilt and improved, the memory of that snowstorm lives on for many locals.
