Over 10,000 customers impacted by power cuts in Whanganui

Crew working on powerlines on Kaikokopu Rd. Photo / Olivia Reid

Two power cuts in Whanganui have affected over 10,000 customers with high winds and damage to a power pole causing the outages.

A mass power outage occurred in Aramoho at 11.14am today.

There were 10,877 customers affected, with the power restored to the majority of homes within 15 minutes.

A Powerco spokesperson said 234 customers remained without power but it was expected to be restored by 5.30pm.

A second, smaller power cut in Paparangi occurred at 10.25am with 40 customers impacted.

The cause of the outage was a tree falling on power lines due to the high winds.

“Due to the high wind and trees continuing to fall in the work area it is not safe to make repairs until the wind subsides, so the power will remain off for these customers until at least tomorrow,” the Powerco spokesperson said.

“We apologise for the inconvenience this causes.”

Falling trees were a constant threat to the network, Powerco said.

Anyone who came across downed lines should keep themselves, their children and livestock well away, and once safe, call 111.

Powerco could also be contacted on 0800 27 27 27, its 24/7 emergency number.

Eva de Jong is a reporter for the Whanganui Chronicle covering health stories and general news. She began as a reporter in 2023.