Possum knocks out entire region's power

A possum on a Wairarapa powerline knocked out electricity to Masterton, Carterton, Greytown and Featherston last night, police said.

The possum exploded after touching powerlines on Masterton's Ngaumutawa Road, causing electricity to arc metres through the air to blow up a nearby water main.

Police said technicians were rushing to return power to the region, and hoped to have it on by midnight.

A police spokeswoman was unsure how many people were affected, or how widespread the blackout was.

- NZPA