Horizon Networks wishes to advise customers that cyclone Cook has caused significant damage to power infrastructure supplying the Whakatane, Kawerau and Opotiki districts.

The following areas are without power:

• All areas east of Ohiwa Harbour including Waimana, Waiotahi, Opotiki, Te Kaha and Cape Runaway.
• Ohope, Coastlands, Whakatane, Otakiri, Taneatua, Ruatoki, part of Tauranga Rd east of Matata, Matata, Thornton, Manawahe and Herepuru Rd.
• Galatea, Murupara, Minginui and Ruatahuna.

Our first priority along with Transpower is to restore sub-transmission to the District, helicopters are deployed and assessing the infrastructure as well as ground crews. Once the sub-transmission is restored we will progressively restore the 11kV network.

We will continue to provide information on restoration through-out the day.

Please be aware we have had multiple reports of lines down around the district, please stay well clear of any low hanging lines and those on the ground.

Horizon Energy apologises for any inconvenience this may cause and advises all customers to contact their retailers in the first instance and to treat ALL lines as alive at ALL times.

For more information about preparing for natural disasters or civil emergencies, please visit the Civil Defence website at www.getthru.govt.nz

People can also follow the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence Facebook page at www.facebook.com/bopcivildefence or visit the Bay of Plenty Civil Defence website at www.whakatane.govt.nz/news/severe-weather-event-updates-april-2017#latest for the latest updates.

For radio updates listen to 1XX FM.