Vector media release – 12 February, 8 pm
 
Cyclone Gabrielle has started to make itself felt with widespread power outages, particularly in exposed areas across north Auckland. Our crews are responding as quickly and safely as they can, given the current weather conditions. 
 
As of 7pm, around 15,000 customers were without power. This number will change constantly as we restore homes and businesses but, with the weather due to worsen, we expect further outages overnight and tomorrow.  
 
The safety of our crews and the public is paramount. We have been preparing for Cyclone Gabrielle since the initial warnings began and have plenty of crews ready. Given the severity of the forecasts, we will sometimes have to stand crews down for their own safety.  
 
We anticipate that some repairs will be complex and potentially complicated by challenges such as road access caused by fallen trees or slips.  We encourage customers to be prepared to be without power for some time. If you haven’t done so already, now is a good time to ensure your phones, power banks and other devices are fully charged and you have a torch handy.  
 
Any customers across Auckland with welfare concerns should contact Civil Defence directly.  
 
We would like to remind everyone of the importance of staying well clear of fallen power lines or damaged electrical equipment, and to treat them as live at all times. ​ People using medical equipment that relies on electricity should let their retailer know if they are without power. If there is an immediate health threat, they should contact their health provider or call 111.​  
 
We would like to thank the public for their understanding and patience as our crews work within the limits of what is safe and practical to restore their power, and urge communities to take care and follow advice as the wild weather continues.  
 
For more information, please go to www.vector.co.nz/outages. ​