Powerco Network Operations Manager Ross Dixon said up to 8000 consumers on Powerco's network had been affected since the storm hit this morning however repair crews were out in the field and making good progress. 

"We have had heavy rain combined with high winds causing a lot of trees and branches to break and cause damage to overhead lines."
 
Mr Dixon said areas affected include Bunnythorpe, Linton, Mangamaire, Motorua, Te Matai, Hinuera, Kopu, Waihou, Mataroa, Ohakune and Wanganui.

"We have had sufficient time to prepare and have additional crews in the field to ensure we restore supply to customers as soon as possible. At this stage we have not been able to fully assess all the damage to the affected areas so we can not provide accurate restoration times for all areas however we expect to restore supply to the majority of affected customers by the end of the day."

Mr Dixon urged anyone seeing power lines down to treat them as live at all times, keep well clear and contact emergency services without delay.

Powerco is New Zealand's second largest electricity and gas distribution utility with around 400,000 consumers connected to its networks. Powerco's electricity networks are in Tauranga, Thames, Coromandel, Eastern and Southern Waikato, Taranaki, Wanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatu and the Wairarapa. Its gas pipeline networks are in Taranaki, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington, Horowhenua, Manawatu, Hawke's Bay and Tasmania.