Severe weather puts Waipā electricity network to the test

Waipā Networks crews have completed extensive repair work across the district following severe weather and flooding that caused widespread damage across parts of the local electricity network.

The most significant impacts were experienced in Western Waikato, including Pirongia and Kāwhia, where flooding, road closures and slips damaged poles, lines and other electrical equipment. Some assets were displaced or washed away by floodwaters, making repairs complex in several locations.

The storm, which hit on the evening of Friday 14 February, resulted in close to 1,300 customers being without power at its peak.

Waipā Networks Acting Chief Executive Tom Bromfield says the intensity of the storm, the volume of rain, and the damage caused required a sustained response from the Waipā Networks team. “Our priority throughout was safety first, followed by restoring the power supply to our community.”

“Our crews began responding to faults early on Friday evening, but by 9 pm conditions had deteriorated and we stood teams down to keep them safe.”

“They reassessed the network the next morning as conditions continued. By 10 pm on Saturday, we had resolved all major faults, with customers either back on network supply or supported by temporary generation while further repairs were completed,” he says.

“Although almost all power was restored in a single day, there has been significant ongoing work to rebuild the network back to its existing condition,” says Bromfield.

“In some areas, we restored power relatively quickly. In others, we needed to stabilise sites, wait until we could access them safely, or use temporary generation to maintain supply while we completed permanent repairs,” Bromfield says.

During the response, Waipā Networks was supported by crews from Unison, Northpower and WEL Networks, who assisted with restoration efforts in the worst-affected areas.

“This support made a real difference. We’re grateful to neighbouring electricity networks and contract service providers for helping us restore power to our communities,” he says.

While electricity has now been restored, Bromfield acknowledges the storm’s wider impact on local communities, particularly farmers.

“We know restoring power was only one part of the response. Many people have faced significant damage to homes, farms, roads and livelihoods, and recovery will take time.”

Waipā Networks reminds the community to stay well clear of fallen lines or damaged equipment and to report any concerns immediately. Anyone who sees damage to the electricity network should keep clear and call Waipā Networks on 0800 800 769.