PowerCo says powerlines which have come down in a “challenging section of forestry block” is making reconnection work in Pongaroa and Akitio particularly difficult.
Strong winds saw power cut to many homes earlier this week, and while most areas had supply restored fairly quickly, 188 customers in Pongaroa and Akitio are still without power this morning.
A PowerCo spokesperson said yesterday afternoon that crews were waiting for a window of clear weather so a helicopter could be deployed to assist with the re-stringing of overhead lines.
Head of Network Operations Caz Haydon said a generation unit was sent to the Akitio area yesterday to allow the local community centre to operate as a welfare hub.
Haydon said crews were working as quickly and safely as possible to make the required repairs.
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A senior police officer has praised attending staff who administered urgent first aid to the victim of a stabbing in Takapau earlier this week – “essentially saving his life”.
Police and Hato Hone St John Ambulance were called to Charlotte Street about 5.30pm Monday after a man was stabbed following an altercation.
Sergeant Damion Davies said the attending staff administered urgent first aid to the victim, who remains in a critical condition in Hawke’s Bay Hospital.
The alleged offender – who is aged in his twenties and is known to Police – was arrested yesterday morning.
Mr Davies said Police worked tirelessly to apprehend the offender, ensuring the community is safe.
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A 246km/hr wind gust at Cape Turnagain on Sunday night was the one of the strongest gusts ever recorded in New Zealand.
The reading was the fourth strongest recorded in the area.
James Gunsen from Tautane Station told Central FM’s the Cockies Hour that Sunday’s winds were the strongest for some years.
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The newly combined Waipukurau/Waipawa golf team won the Zone 4 Coronation Cup round played last weekend.
The combined team, along with Porangahau, Takapau and Hastings made up the zone, with the Waipukurau Golf Club hosting.
Waipukurau/Waipawa won on countback after finishing with four points, equal with Takapau.
Players to win all three of their matches at the weekend were Shane Kingston and Steve Wyn-Harris from the Waipukurau/Waipawa team, Richard Foddy from Hastings and Jeff Hulena from Takapau.
The combined team will now go on to the Coronation Cup finals being played in Dannevirke at the end of October.
