Vector media update 14 Feb 8.30am
 
As forecasters predicted, we are seeing the devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle’s path across the Auckland region this morning.
 
As of 8.30am, the treacherous conditions have left 38,000 homes and businesses without power across Vector’s network, mostly caused by wind and vegetation (e.g. fallen trees and slips). As it did yesterday, we expect the number without power to fluctuate throughout the day as our teams restore power but other outages occur.
 
While yesterday’s impact was felt heavily in the north, widespread outages have occurred right across Vector’s network overnight with Auckland’s west coast being the worst hit.
 
Our crews are doing their best to work in terrible conditions, where they can do safely. Their safety, and that of local communities, is absolutely paramount to us. Our teams will need to pause work if it is too dangerous.
 
In some cases, the continued wild weather and blocked roads by fallen trees and slips, is making the repair job unsafe or inaccessible. We would like to reassure communities that our teams are doing their best to restore your power as quickly and safely as they can.
 
With the damaging winds still around for today, we ask communities for patience and kindness while our teams assess the damage and plan for the days ahead. Please give them space, so they can stick to the job of getting power back for families and businesses.
 
To those families who have been without power for extended periods - thank you for your patience. We know this is both frustrating and upsetting. We are tracking all outages across the region and will get to you as soon as we can. Again, safety with the conditions and access, as well as the complexity of jobs, are our main challenges.
 
Our contact centre is under pressure, so if you have already called to report an outage, and it is showing on our outage centre, there is no need to call again. Please avoid blocking the phone lines, so others can report any new outages. Please refer to the outage centre for any updates.
 
Once again, we would like to repeat the importance of following the advice of authorities and to stay well away from fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment, and to treat them as live at all times. ​
 
People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should let their retailer know if they are without power. If there is an immediate health threat, they should contact their health provider or call 111.​
 
To report an outage or check an address for an outage go to: Vector.co.nz/outages

The next update will be just after 11.30am

Photo: Trees affecting powerlines in Point Chevalier.