Damage minimal from wild weather

A fallen pine tree is removed from Tarawera Rd, about 5km from Rotorua. Photo / Stephen Parker

A few trees and branches fell down in wild winds yesterday, although the Rotorua District Council reported little damage.

A pine tree blocked one lane of Tarawera Rd about 5km from Rotorua and some branches fell from trees on Long Mile Rd.

All were cleared up quickly.

Mike Davies, general manager of council's maintenance unit Castlecorp, said damage to public areas appeared to be "relatively minor".

"Certainly nothing our teams couldn't cope with," he said.

"A large tree branch broke across a Utuhina walkway, subsequently blocking people's path.

"However staff managed to cut a gap in the fallen branch to allow people to get through. A digger was expected to remove it yesterday.

"Overall, we have things under control with minimal problems to deal with that we are aware of. If people do know of any damage on public spaces that needs our attention we ask them to please contact the council."

Fire crews in the Bay of Plenty attended 17 callouts in four hours yesterday - many of them weather-related.

Most of the callouts - between 11am and 3pm - were for trees and power lines blown down by the strong winds, a Fire Service communications spokeswoman said.