Authorities have ordered the destruction of a dirt pile that nearly suffocated a 12 year-old boy.

Deon Miller was playing with friends digging holes in the mound of top soil at a former reserve in Twizel when he was partially buried on Saturday.

His friends tried to rescue him before his father, Craig Miller, managed to drag him out from under the soil.

Deon was unconscious, but started breathing again when his airways were cleared of dirt.

He was taken to an intensive care unit at Dunedin Hospital.

He has been discharged from hospital and is understood to be at home recovering.

Wayne Barnett, Mackenzie District Council chief executive, said today the council had hired contractors to flatten the pile, to "take it down and make it safe and less attractive" to children.

Mr Barnett said the council would consider installing signs and fencing at any similar dirt piles in the region.

The council and WorkSafe New Zealand were investigating the incident.