Winter’s over, but Waipā Networks continues to urge drivers to take care

A rise in vehicle crashes into power poles across the Waipā district has prompted Waipā Networks to issue a public safety reminder: slow down, drive to the conditions, and stay alert.

In Waipā Networks’ last financial year ending 31 March 2025, there were 17 vehicle-versus-pole incidents, affecting 13 feeders and causing power outages for almost 8,000 customers. Since April of this year, there have already been 18 vehicle-versus-pole incidents, impacting approximately 10 feeders and causing outages for over 8,000 customers.

In the past five days alone, there have been four incidents involving vehicles colliding with poles across the Waipā region.

Wet roads, fog and fatigue are just some of the factors contributing to the spike. In one case, the pole had only been replaced a week earlier.

Tom Bromfield, General Manager of Delivery at Waipā Networks, says each crash not only poses serious risks to drivers and passengers but also disrupts power supply and places significant strain on emergency and repair services.

He says these incidents are dangerous, put lives at risk, have a significant financial cost, and can leave entire neighbourhoods without power for hours.

“Replacing a damaged pole can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000, depending on the type and location. If a transformer’s involved, multiple poles are affected, or generation is required for customers during repairs, the cost and complexity increase dramatically,” says Bromfield.

Repairs typically require a team of overhead line workers, traffic management, and, in some cases, subsurface crews. A routine job where a single pole with no additional equipment on it is damaged takes, on average, 10 hours to restore power.

Waipā Networks encourages all customers to have a backup plan if their power goes out. This includes essentials like a torch, a charged mobile phone, warm clothing and blankets, and basic knowledge of what to do during an outage.

Drivers are also reminded that they may be held financially responsible for any damage caused, especially if they are uninsured or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

“If you hit a pole, stay in your vehicle and call 111 to avoid an electric shock. Downed lines can be deadly, and your vehicle is usually the safest place to be until we’ve turned the power off,” says Bromfield.

“If you’re a bystander or first at the scene, stay at least 10 metres away and don’t approach the vehicle until it’s safe.

“Our crews are trained to respond safely, but we need the public’s help to prevent these incidents in the first place.”

Waipā Networks has strengthened its partnerships with local fire brigades in recent years to support emergency response.

In 2023, Waipā Networks provided $10,000 to the Kawhia Fire Brigade to purchase an emergency response vehicle. In 2024, a former Waikato Tree Services vehicle was donated to the Pirongia Fire Station. In February of this year, Waipā Networks sponsored $10,000 to the Te Awamutu Fire Brigade for an emergency response vehicle.

With more wet weather forecast over the weekend, Waipā Networks is urging all road users to slow down, stay focused, and drive to the conditions.