Horizon Networks wishes to advise customers that Cyclone Cook's devastation have left multiple downed power lines, trees and slips throughout the community, causing multiple outages across the region. Multiple downed power lines, broken poles and trees in the line resulted in loss of electricity to numerous parts of the community and Horizon Networks is working to restore power progressively. The compounded effects of Cyclone Debbie
and Cyclone Cook have taken its toll on all forms of infrastructure in the region.

As at 8:00am the following areas remain without power:

Whakatane District
o Parts of Ruatahuna
o Te Mahoe and parts of Waiohau
o Fermah Road

Opotiki District
o Papanui Road

Further to our last update we have restored a further 150 customers, there remains approximately 100 customers without power across the district. Our fault crews are attending to the repair of these areas during the day. Unfortunately overnight we suffered further outages on our main 33kV transmission line supplying the Whakatane Township and an aerial survey will commence at 10am this morning.

Although we still have supply to the township the system is fragile and we advise customers to be prepared in case of further outages. Although we believe we have a list of customers still without electricity; we would encourage customers to contact their retailer if they are still without electricity to ensure we do not leave anyone out.

Horizon Networks would like to take this opportunity to thank consumers for their patience, support and understanding during this difficult holiday period and would like to give reassurance that our dedicated crews and support staff will continue to progressively restore outages as crews become available in a safe manner in line with our guiding principle of keeping our community switched on.

The weather forecast is predicting further rain and thunder storms for the district today; this may result in further outages and delays in restoring supply across the region due to slips and trees. Even customers fortunate to have had their power supplies restored today should prepare themselves for further extended outages. 

Horizon Networks 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-eventupdates-april-2017#latest for the latest updates.

For radio updates listen to your local radio station.