70 still without electricity after storms

About 70 consumers in rural areas around Taihape are still without power after last week's storms.

Powerco crews are making progress in restoring electricity, but lines in the central and lower North Island were extensively damaged by heavy snowfalls and severe winds. The high country around Taihape was hardest hit.

Networks operations manager Charles Kaka said that in some isolated areas staff were practically rebuilding entire sections of line.

"Around 70 consumers are without power, the majority of those being located in rural high country areas around Taihape.

"The work has been hard going and the weather is deteriorating,"

Mr Kaka said the heavy snow had caused a large number of lines and poles to break in and around Taihape.

He said said helicopters had been used extensively since the storm struck but crews had to hike into backcountry areas to carry out repairs.

- NZPA