A lightning strike on Transpower NZ equipment has caused a significant power outage in Hawke’s Bay, affecting at least 50,000 people across Napier, Hastings, and much of the central North Island, including Gisborne and Wairoa.
The strike damaged two circuits feeding the region, with crews working urgently to restore power, according to state media.
Transpower spokesperson Nathan Green confirmed ongoing efforts to identify the exact location of the strike and repair the fault. The widespread outage comes amidst intense lightning activity in the area, leaving residents from Clive to Gisborne in the dark and seeking updates.
Image credit: Felix Mittermeier
So I guess it’s just a thing now, since the last couple of years, that the weather around Xmas is rainy and s***?
Almost like a plan.