Strong winds cut power for many in the Western Bay as gusts buffeted the region, downing a tree and hoisting a trampoline across properties.
A torn power line in Katikati briefly shut down the section of State Highway 2 at Hyde Rd yesterday as police, firefighters and extra field staff from electricity provider Powerco were called to restore power and make lines safe.
Powerco network operations manager Phil Marsh said about 750 Katikati residents lost power, having it restored about 3.50pm.
Bamboo Barn's Nicole Bigwood said police informed them of the snapped line outside and advised customers to steer clear while they made the area safe.
Two blocks away, at SH2 and Mulgan St, a power contractor could be seen about 1.30pm struggling to re-attach loose lines that had come away in the wind.
Power was also lost in Waihi Beach and parts of the Coromandel Peninsula.
In Tauranga firefighters had minimal weather-related callouts. Mount Maunganui firefighters were called to a home in Links Ave where a trampoline was thrown over a fence and into a next-door neighbour's house.
A fallen tree blocked both lanes in Kairua Rd, off Welcome Bay Rd, about 1pm. Greerton firefighters responded with chainsaws, chopping up the tree and piling the wood on the side of the road.
Mr Marsh said trees were responsible for cutting power to homes throughout New Zealand. Around 21,000 properties in Wairarapa, Manawatu, Whanganui and South Taranaki lost power because of the severe weather.
Tauranga fire senior station officer Kevin Cowper said it was likely the city had been protected from the worst of the wind by the Kaimai Ranges.