Watch: Mitchell: “This Will Take a Week or Two”

Government ministers and emergency officials say Southland’s recovery from last week’s severe storm will take time, with widespread damage to infrastructure and thousands still without power.

Emergency Management and Recovery Minister Mark Mitchell spoke during a media stand-up this afternoon, saying the government had met to determine how to best support the region and emphasising that recovery efforts would not be quick.

“The requirement is generators ... so that they can keep things running, keep milking cows,” he said.
“This is going to take a week or two. There’s probably going to be more additional central government support.”

Mitchell praised the “incredible” community response to Thursday’s wild weather and acknowledged the work of the Defence Force, NEMA, first responders, Civil Defence, and PowerNet staff.

He urged Southlanders to continue supporting one another.

“Check on your neighbours, especially the elderly,” Mitchell said. “The community spirit shown so far has been outstanding.”

PowerNet chief executive Paul Blue said the damage to the electricity network was extensive, with “hundreds” of poles and power lines down across Southland.

“We are doing everything we can — we will get to you,” Blue said, reminding people to always treat downed wires as live.

Emergency Management Southland Controller Vibhuti Chopra and Deputy Controller Deanne Hicks have continued to lead the regional response. Hicks said they had been “very, very lucky” to have avoided any deaths from the storm.

“Make sure you’re keeping yourself safe while cleaning up,” Hicks added.

Crews continue to work around the clock to restore power, reopen roads, and deliver generators to rural areas. Authorities say full restoration could take well into next week as assessments and repairs continue across the region.