More than 200 residents in the lower North Island remain without power a week after a destructive storm swept through the region. The majority of those affected are located in the Whanganui-Rangitīkei area.
Storm Damage Echoes Past Events
According to Powerco’s Head of Network Operations, Mark Dunn, the recent storm caused the most damage to the power network since Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023. Over 500 power lines were downed as a result of the storm.
Restoration efforts have been hampered by extensive tree damage, particularly in remote forestry blocks. Powerco has been working with emergency management and the Red Cross to support affected customers.
Mobilizing Resources
Helicopters were deployed over the weekend to reach isolated areas and assist crews in stringing lines in the Wairarapa and Whanganui-Rangitīkei regions. Crews from as far away as Taranaki, Hamilton, Matamata, Tauranga, and Dannevirke – a total of 250 field staff – have been involved in the recovery.
In Wellington, 60 customers were still without power as of Tuesday, but Wellington Electricity anticipates reconnecting fewer than 10 customers on Wednesday. Some Wellington residents who experienced prolonged outages have questioned whether they should be compensated by Wellington Electricity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What areas are most affected?
Most of the remaining outages are concentrated in the Whanganui-Rangitīkei region, with specific areas including Hunterville (47 properties), Taihape (36), Mangaweka (34), and Marton (27).
How does this storm compare to previous events?
Powerco stated that this storm caused the most damage to the network since Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023.
What is being done to help those without power?
Powerco is working closely with emergency management and the Red Cross to support affected customers. Helicopters have been used to access hard-to-reach areas and assist crews.
As restoration efforts continue, it remains possible that some residents could experience prolonged outages, depending on the extent of the damage and the challenges of accessing affected areas. Further disruptions could occur if additional storms impact the region.
