Powerco Network Operations Manager Ross Dixon said around 3000 consumers were currently without power 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, however it appears conditions are easing."

Mr Dixon said areas affected include Bunnythorpe, Linton, Mangamaire, Motorua, Te Matai, Hinuera, Kopu, Waihou, Mataroa, Ohakune, Tauranga, Wairarapa 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 however there will be up to 1200 customers without power over night."

Customers with no power wanting estimated restoration times should contact their electricity retailers who will have the latest updates.

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.

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