Power restored after wild winds batter North Island

Two people escaped uninjured when high winds rolled a small truck on the Napier-Hastings Expressway at Taradale, Napier. Photo / SNPA / Kerry Marshall

Most households that lost power after winds battered the North Island yesterday have been reconnected.

Powerco said it had restored power to all but about 400 customers that lost power yesterday.

Gale fore winds gusting over 100 km/h damaged parts of the electricity network in Western Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Manawatu, Whanganui, Wairarapa and Tararua. Power was cut to 11,000 properties.

Powerco Network Operations Manager Phil Marsh said field crews had worked hard to restore supply.

Mr Marsh said trees growing close to overhead lines were a major contributor to power cuts during severe weather.

"In many cases the people who plant trees and allow them to grow into our lines are subsequently affected, along with their neighbours."

He said people must keep well away from any power lines brought down by the severe weather.

"People need to keep themselves and their children well clear of any damaged network equipment and call emergency services immediately if they see a downed power line."

Meanwhile, all Rotorua residents without power after the wild winds yesterday should now be reconnected.

Unison said at its peak, about 1400 customers were without power across Rotorua, consisting of large pockets in the Rotoma, Okere and Tumunui areas.

All customers would be restored this evening, Unison said.

Aucklanders in Titirangi, Riverhead and Green Bay also lost power yesterday due to high winds, however Vector said they had power restored.