Southland Recovery Update – Tuesday 28 October, 11.10am
A state of emergency remains in place for Southland, with the emergency response expected to continue through this week.
Controller Update
“Our key priorities continue to be restoring power to lifelines — telecommunications, water, and wastewater; addressing community and animal welfare needs; and efficiently distributing and tracking generators, especially to critical services like healthcare, supermarkets, fuel stations, and water treatment,” Emergency Management Southland said.
The weather has turned colder, with reports of snow flurries in some areas. Residents are urged to take care on the roads and check for closures. “Our emergency services are already under pressure. We aren’t expecting any severe weather based on current forecasts,” the update said.
Welfare and Community Support
“It’s been heartening to see farmers across Southland rally together — sharing generators, opening their dairy sheds to neighbours, and ensuring animals are milked and watered through challenging conditions. Community hubs are opening with help from Rural Support Trust and the NZ Defence Force. This reflects a strong, coordinated recovery effort across the region.”
Five Southland soldiers from 2/4 Royal New Zealand Infantry Regiment (RNZIR) have been deployed alongside Emergency Management Southland welfare staff, splitting into four teams to reach isolated communities, deliver information, and carry out welfare checks.
Today, welfare teams are visiting Waikaia, Riversdale, and Piano Flat, as well as Greenpoint, Omaui, Greenhills, and Makarewa.
Yesterday, they covered Ohai, Nightcaps, Drummond, Otautau, Orepuki, Colac Bay, Tuatapere, Tokanui, Fortrose, Waikawa Valley, Curio Bay, Mokoreta, Wyndham, and Edendale.
Water and Wastewater
Residents are asked to conserve water and avoid unnecessary use until reservoirs refill. “Other wastewater treatment plants are returning to normal but a few still rely on generators,” Emergency Management Southland said.
Power Restoration
PowerNet reports approximately 6,250 customers in Southland and 2,500 in Otago remain without power. Progress continues, though some customers may remain disconnected for up to a week due to severe damage. “There may be times when power goes out again as teams work to repair damage.”
Community Hubs and Schools
There are around 12–14 community hubs open for people needing showers, Wi-Fi access, or device charging. Ten schools remain closed today because of power or water outages.
Generators and Support
Emergency Management Southland currently has 31 generators circulating to support critical infrastructure, dairy sheds, and community hubs. “Most have come from out of the region but some have been shared locally, like the one from Fire and Emergency New Zealand.” 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.
“We’re aware that generators are being shared by neighbours, so it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly how many are in use across the region. We thank these communities who are supporting each other to get through.”
Parks and Reserves
Invercargill City Council advises all parks and reserves remain closed after last week’s storm. “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.”
Rural Impacts and Advice
Emergency Management Southland continues to identify generator needs for milking sheds and stock water. Farmers are urged to contact their dairy supply companies and Environment Southland before disposing of milk. “Cows can go up to a week without milking with minimal impact. When milking resumes, ensure full milk-out to avoid mastitis.”
For support and wellbeing, farmers can reach the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254, and for animal welfare, contact MPI on 0800 00 83 33.
Health Advice
Health NZ warns food and water can be easily contaminated during emergencies. Use boiled or disinfected water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing hands and food, making baby formula, ice, and cleaning dishes.
“If the power is out, eat perishable foods first, minimise opening fridges and freezers, and keep refrigerated medicines cool in chiller bins with ice packs. Contact a pharmacy or doctor for medicine safety advice.”
Fire Safety During Power Outages
“Turn off all appliances including cookers and heaters that were in use when the power went off,” Fire and Emergency said. “Use torches or battery-powered lamps rather than candles if possible. If using candles, place them in stable holders and never leave them unattended.”
Important Reminder
If you need a generator or have urgent welfare needs, call the Welfare Line on 0800 890 127 or email [email protected] with your location and requirements. The line is monitored between 9 am and 4:30 pm.
Please continue to check on neighbours, share verified information, and stay safe.
Additional Regional Updates
- Clutha District: About 2,400 properties remain without power, with remote areas facing weeks of delays.
- Telecommunications: The Telecommunications Forum confirms all cell towers in Otago and Southland are back online.
Chief Executive Paul Brislen said, “PowerNet has done a fantastic job getting out to these rural and remote areas… and beaten all expectations about restoration.”
One Spark tower in Wyndham remains offline for unrelated reasons.