Massive Clean-Up Underway: Thousands Remain Without Power as Storm Aftermath Grips South and Lower North Islands
Christchurch, New Zealand – October 24, 2025 – While MetService has lifted its severe weather warnings, a massive recovery effort is underway across the country this morning, with thousands of homes still without power and a State of Emergency remaining in effect for the Canterbury Region.
Gale-force winds from yesterday’s storm caused widespread chaos, bringing down power lines, felling trees, and forcing road closures across Canterbury, Otago, Southland, Tararua, and Wairarapa.
Power Outages and Infrastructure Damage
Electricity crews are working round-the-clock to restore power, but companies are warning that repairs to the badly damaged network could take time:
- South Island Hotspots: Thousands remain in the dark, including over 4,000 customers in the Dunedin and Mosgiel areas, and over 3,300 homes in North Canterbury (between Kaiapoi and Kaikoura).
- North Island: Over 1,500 homes in the Wairarapa region are still without electricity, and the small town of Eketāhuna is relying on a single Four Square supermarket generator for power and essential services.
- Invercargill: The city is facing a mammoth clean-up, with all parks closed and multiple Southland schools shut for the day. Local councils are urging patience as crews prioritise work.
Road Closures and Safety Warnings
Several key highways remain closed, including State Highway 7 from Tekoa Ranges to Waipara, with NZTA advising drivers to avoid affected areas. Meanwhile, Firefighters across the South Island responded to 30 weather-related callouts overnight.
Minister for Emergency Management and Recovery, Mark Mitchell, stated that the Government is working closely with utility companies to restore essential services. He also expressed frustration over reports of people ignoring fire bans during the high winds, drawing critical Fire and Emergency New Zealand (FENZ) resources away from containing existing blazes, such as the major fires in Porangahau.
Advice for Affected Residents
People who have suffered storm damage are being urged to exercise caution during the clean-up. Insurance Ombudsman Karen Stevens has stressed the importance of documenting damage:
- Prioritise Safety: Ensure your personal safety first.
- Document Everything: Take as many photos as possible before beginning clean-up efforts.
- Be Patient: Insurers are under immense pressure, and response times will be slow. Make your claim, document your losses, and avoid constantly calling for updates.
Residents in the Southland communities of Tuatapere, Ohai, and Mossburn have also been warned that their water treatment plants are not working and are urged to boil any drinking water sourced from emergency tankers.
Lions Roar News continues to monitor the clean-up and recovery efforts. We urge all residents to heed safety warnings, conserve water where requested, and report any downed power lines immediately by calling 111.
