Hundreds of residents across Otago and Southland remain without power after a massive grid failure and severe storms left roughly 25,000 properties without electricity on Sunday. Transpower NZ, the national grid owner, experienced a significant issue at lunchtime, cutting supply to most of Southland for hours. Meanwhile, high winds and lightning strikes battered multiple regions, causing widespread outages from Wellington down to the West Coast.
PowerNet estimates that 800 customers are still waiting for repairs, with approximately 500 in Southland and 300 in Otago. PowerNet Operations General Manager Geoff Thorburn said field teams had been deployed since the early hours of Sunday morning. Crews continued working through the afternoon on weather-related damage to poles and lines following both the storm and the Transpower outage. Thorburn warned that lightning strikes had caused substantial damage to electrical infrastructure that takes time to fix.
Wellington Winds and Regional Outages
The severe weather stretched far beyond the deep south, bringing destructive gales to central New Zealand. MetService meteorologist Gerard Bellham reported that severe gusts hit 168 km/h on Sunday morning at Wellington’s Mt Kaukau. The blustery front originated from the Tasman Sea, dragging warm air across from Australia and pushing temperatures in Hawke’s Bay and Napier up to 21 degrees—well above the usual 15-degree maximum for winter. Wellington Airport confirmed that high winds forced the diversion of two incoming flights and the cancellation of two outbound departures before normal operations resumed.
The wind-related weather front triggered numerous regional outages across the country. Wellington Electricity reported disruptions for more than 650 customers, while a downed power line blocked Treadwell Street in Lower Hutt. Power Co recorded nearly 400 homes without power in the Wairarapa region alongside 200 in Manawatū. Marlborough Lines noted more than 700 unplanned outages, Network Tasman reported over 300 homes offline, Westpower logged nearly 400 affected properties along the West Coast, and Orion confirmed about 20 homes lost power in Christchurch City.
Did You Know? Gusts at Wellington’s Mt Kaukau reached a severe 168 km/h on Sunday morning before the Tasman Sea front began to ease.
Infrastructure Repairs and Future Weather Scenarios
As repair crews push to restore connections, operations depend heavily on ongoing weather conditions and worker safety. PowerNet confirmed that staff will continue repairs while it remains safe to do so. Residents experiencing lingering outages are urged to contact their providers directly. Authorities have also reminded the public to maintain a safe distance from any downed power lines.
Looking ahead, meteorologists indicate that the front bringing unseasonably warm air could maintain spring-like temperatures in the low 20s across parts of the country through the week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What caused the major power cuts in the south?
Transpower NZ experienced a significant issue at lunchtime on Sunday, cutting power supply to most of Southland for hours, alongside storm-related damage from high winds and lightning strikes.
How many customers remain without electricity?
PowerNet estimates that 800 customers remain without power, including roughly 500 in Southland and 300 in Otago.
What are the weather conditions expected for the rest of the week?
MetService meteorologist Gerard Bellham stated that the country will see unusually warm, spring-like weather with temperatures reaching the low 20s as the winds from the Tasman Sea ease.
How were flights affected in Wellington?
Wellington Airport reported that high winds forced two incoming flights to be diverted and two outbound flights to be cancelled before operations resumed.
What should residents do if they spot damaged electrical infrastructure?
PowerNet Operations General Manager Geoff Thorburn reminded people to stay away from downed lines and to report outages.
Are you still experiencing weather-related disruptions or power cuts in your area?