Power Outage in Whangamata: Residents Urged to Exercise Caution

Strategic Insights -

Thousands of properties in Whangamata are without power after high winds brought down trees on power poles and lines on Saturday night. Residents are being advised to prepare for an overnight power outage, with Powerco working to restore supply. The Thames-Coromandel District Council has issued safety messages, including cautioning against candles and gas heaters, and reminding residents to check food safety.

Key Takeaways:

  • The power outage affects thousands of properties, mostly in and around Whangamata.
  • Powerco is working to restore supply, but residents are advised to prepare for an overnight outage.
  • The Thames-Coromandel District Council has issued safety messages, including cautioning against candles and gas heaters, and reminding residents to check food safety.
  • Fire and Emergency NZ helped clear fallen trees, and Powerco has brought in extra crews to work on the outages.
  • If in danger, residents should call 111; if it's not an emergency but they need help, they can call the Council's 24/7 contact line 07 868 0200.
  • Powerco advises that downed power lines should always be treated as live, and residents should stay at least 10 meters away from the lines and poles.
  • The emergency generation system is powering most of the Whangamata CBD.

Statistics:

  • Thousands of properties are affected by the power outage.
  • High winds brought down trees on power poles and lines, causing the outage.
  • Powerco has brought in extra crews to work on the outages.
  • Residents are advised to stay at least 10 meters away from downed power lines.
  • The emergency number for Powerco is 0800 27 27 27.

Sources:

  • Thames-Coromandel District Council press release (no date)
  • Powerco message on safety after the outage (no date)
  • Fire and Emergency NZ for their help in clearing fallen trees (no date)