Southland’s recovery efforts continue following last week’s severe weather, with emergency services, utility crews and local councils working tirelessly to restore essential services and support affected communities.
A state of emergency remains in place until at least Friday morning, as authorities urge residents to stay safe, conserve water and check in on friends, family and neighbours.
Power restoration progress
PowerNet Chief Executive Paul Blue said about 3,400 customers in Southland and 1,674 in Otago remain without power. “The support provided by our industry peers has been incredible. We are grateful for their help repairing the extensive damage our networks have suffered,” he said.
“We’re now into day seven of the response, and we appreciate this has been a long time for those still without power. Our focus has been on ensuring critical services are powered, large urban areas and the region’s dairy farms,” he said.
PowerNet has asked customers in generally restored areas who still have no power to report it using the online form at powernet.co.nz/powerout.
Mr Blue said while major areas have been reconnected, “we have some very complex and widespread issues affecting many of those remaining. We will have a much better understanding by Friday of exactly how long those people can expect to wait for their power to be restored.”
At midday Wednesday, The Power Company Limited network had 3,400 customers without power out of 38,200 total, and the OtagoNet network had 1,674 customers affected out of 15,700.
Emergency management and welfare
Emergency Management Southland said the number of requests for generators and support has slowed, with 31 large generators circulating around the region to support critical infrastructure, dairy sheds and community hubs.
Smaller generators are still needed for residential use and can be sourced from retailers such as Mitre 10 and other hardware or electrical supply stores.
Residents needing welfare support can call 0800 890 127 or email [email protected]. The line is monitored from 9am to 4.30pm daily.
Several community hubs remain open across Southland, offering showers, power, Wi-Fi and hot drinks. Sites include ILT Stadium Southland, Wyndham Camping Ground, MLT Event Centre in Gore, Limehills Rugby Club, Riverton Rugby Club, and other facilities in towns such as Tuatapere, Tokanui, Waikaia, Waikaka and Orepuki.
Residents are being urged to conserve water and avoid unnecessary use while reservoirs refill. Otautau and Winton wastewater treatment plants continue to rely on generators.
Parks and safety
Both Invercargill City Council and Southland District Council have closed all parks, reserves and playgrounds until they can be declared safe. “The main threat to public safety is from falling trees and branches,” a council spokesperson said. “We urge people to not go collecting firewood.”
Crews are still clearing damage, with Invercargill’s Parks team reporting more trees had fallen overnight. “While we appreciate some people are trying to be helpful, please don't enter the parks and reserves to help tidy up as it is not safe to do so,” the council said.
Relief funding and community support
The Government has announced a $75,000 contribution to Southland’s Mayoral Relief Fund to assist individuals, families and communities significantly impacted by the storm. Details on how to apply will be shared once the application process is finalised.
Emergency Management Southland reminded residents to check in on neighbours and loved ones and to seek help if needed. Those struggling can free text 1737 to talk to a trained counsellor at any time or visit 1737.org.nz.
Community BBQs
To help bring people together, the Southland Rural Support Trust, DairyNZ and Emergency Management Southland are hosting community BBQs this week.
BBQs will be held tonight (Wednesday 29 October) at the Woodlands Rugby Club and Riverton Rugby Club, and tomorrow (Thursday 30 October) at the Tokanui Tavern and Dipton Golf Course from 5.30pm to 8pm.
“Southlanders have shown incredible community spirit,” Emergency Management Southland said. “Keep looking out for each other, share verified information, and stay safe.”