Work to open up the Waiau River mouth away from Southland properties has resumed on Wednesday after being paused for safety reasons.

A state of emergency which was declared earlier this month after rapid erosion from the sea and river threatened properties in the Bluecliffs village, was extended on Wednesday.

The urgent work had to be put on hold due to challenging conditions. Southland Civil Defence Group Controller Simon Mapp says the channel could be opened as early as Thursday.

Mapp spoke to Charlotte Cook.