Overview of the night’s damage
Emergency services were kept busy across the Bay of Plenty as a violent weather event swept through the region. Police and Fire and Emergency New Zealand reported 26 weather-related incidents overnight, ranging from fallen trees to partially damaged roofs. Power outages affected thousands of properties, disrupting homes and local businesses as crews worked through the night to assess damage and restore essential services.
What happened and where
Witnesses described a night where high winds and gusts exceeded typical seasonal norms. Trees were uprooted or snapped, branches laden with leaves created a lattice of debris on roads, and several structures sustained roof damage. Local authorities warned residents to stay indoors and avoid streams of traffic around affected streets while frontline teams cleared hazards and checked for structural safety.
While many incidents were clustered in urban pockets of the Bay of Plenty, rural areas also reported wind-related damage including damaged fencing and isolated power lines. Engineers and line crews mobilized quickly to begin assessments and prioritise restoring power to the greatest number of households.
The response from responders
Firefighters, police, and utility workers coordinated through the night, establishing rapid response hubs to triage calls and allocate resources. Light-to-medium emergency incidents created a demanding workload, but agencies stressed that the priority remained life safety and rapid re-energisation of the grid where possible.
Residents were urged to heed weather advice, secure outdoor items, and monitor official updates as crews continued to clear debris and make safer assessments of roofs and walls that had borne the brunt of the wind.
Timpacts on residents and services
Power disruptions affected thousands, with some areas likely to experience prolonged outages while technicians replace damaged transformers and repair lines. For households, this meant disrupted heating, cooking, and communication, underscoring the importance of emergency kits and planned outages for such weather events.
Local businesses faced interruptions as suppliers and customers navigated power losses and road closures. Community facilities, including shelters and information centres, were prepared to support residents who needed a place to stay warm or charge essential devices.
Safety tips for residents
- Stay clear of downed power lines and report them immediately to authorities.
- Secure loose objects around your property and trim branches that could fall in future wind events.
- Maintain a battery-powered radio or device to receive updates if the power is out.
- Prepare an emergency kit with water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and a first-aid kit.
What comes next
Officials expect a careful and gradual restoration process as the weather system moves away. Investigations will determine the causes of the most significant structural damage, while continued weather monitoring will guide how quickly crews can bring services back to full capacity. Residents are advised to stay informed through official channels and avoid unnecessary travel until streets are deemed safe.
