Weather: Northland power outages drag into second week after Cyclone Tam

Top Energy crews work to restore power after the wild weather, with some homes still in the dark.

More than 20 Far North homes are still without powera week after the ex-tropical cyclone Tam first struck the region.

Lines company Top Energy said helicopter support was needed to replace power poles in the worst-hit area, Orokawa Bay in the Bay of Islands.

There are about 20 homes without power in the isolated bay in Te Rāwhiti. They are expected to remain without power until at least midday Thursday — more than a week after cuts started.

Three power poles were helicoptered into the area this morning and would be installed today. It was hoped conductors could be reattached to the poles by midday tomorrow, although it could be tomorrow evening, Top Energy said in a statement.

The lines company is also reporting two homes still without power in the Puriri Block Rd area, and one on Matawherohia Rd in Waiare.

At the peak of the outages, more than 17,000 homes and businesses in the Far North were in the dark — more than half of the Top Energy network.

Top Energy called in extra help from across Northland and as far afield as Hawke’s Bay to repair the damage.

It said the network was extensively damaged by the high winds, which brought trees down onto lines and poles.

Flooding created very challenging access issues, particularly considering the rural nature of the network.

Top Energy said on social media the storm had a long tail and restoration was challenging due to multiple factors.

Trees down, like this one on Johnston Rd in Kawakawa, led to long-running power cuts, Top Energy says.

It thanked the family of crew members for their “forbearance and support”, as well as thanking customers for their continued patience.

“To our customers for your resilience, patience and words of support ... thank you.”

Customers without power who are medically dependent on electricity are advised to contact their medical adviser for support or dial 111 immediately in an emergency.

Anyone who needs help related to the storm can call Top Energy on 0800 867 363, and the company will pass on details to the appropriate support agencies.

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.