"I didn't even think I was anywhere near power lines - I certainly didn't think they would be low enough to hit. And I also had no idea that power lines could re-energise. That is really important for us all to know."
The man called emergency services not knowing how dangerous the outcome of the accident could have been.
"I think us Kiwi blokes aren't the type to read safety flyers and the like - once you're fried you can't tell others."
Unison faultman Hadyn Reid said the man was extremely lucky to have survived.
"By exiting his vehicle, he risked electrocution. If this incident had happened at another location, the outcome could have been fatal. He very likely would not have survived leaving his truck the first time, as the lines could still have been live.
"He was just very lucky the feeder blew out. With no recloser, the feeder didn't re-liven the lines, but if it had, we would have been dealing with a fatality."
The farmer felt fortunate to have survived his entanglement, and will be a keen promoter of Unison's "Look Up" safety campaign.
Yesterday he said he was feeling pretty lucky to be alive.
"I kept thinking 'I must go buy a Lotto ticket', but I didn't get a chance - hopefully my luck will hold for the next draw."
Unison health and safety manager Wayne Withey said the incident highlighted the importance of the company's continued efforts to educate the public and contractors on the need to "look up, look down" when working.
"It's incredibly important to assess the environment for electrical hazards, because chances are, failing to do so could well cost you your life.
"Unison has safety advice on its website about what to do if your vehicle does touch powerlines, but our key piece of advice is to stay inside the vehicle and call for help."