Power lines survey on MainPower network

Re-flights: August 25 

Re-flight inspections will be undertaken today with the primary focus being on Zones 1 & 2 (weather permitting). 

You may notice the helicopter overhead. It will generally fly at the same height and speed as a rescue chopper, so you may not notice it at all. In some instances, it may need to pause, hover and turn for short periods to ensure we’re collecting clear data. 

Inspections were completed by a helicopter mounted with a camera. It flew at around 500 feet above the power lines – the normal height that aircraft, like the Westpac Rescue Helicopter, usually fly.

Electricity supply was not affected during the inspections.

The survey captures images to produce a model of our network. This tells us the condition of our assets so we can identify any potential issues. Using the model, we analyse various scenarios on the network, assess the impact of each scenario and model proposed work programs, such as vegetation work and pole replacement, and determine the effectiveness of the work.

The map below indicates the areas that have been covered.

Customers along the flight paths have been notified, but if you have any questions or concerns, we encourage you to get in touch. Please call our Network Service team on 0800 30 90 80 or use the online form here. You can also email us at nsr@mainpower.co.nz.

Week 1: July 7 – 13 (Completed) 

Aerial pole inspections have been completed for Zone 6.

Week 2: July 14 – 20 (Completed) 

Aerial pole inspections have been completed for Zone 4.

Week 3: July 21 – 27 (Completed) 

Aerial pole inspections have been completed for Zone 1, Zone 2 & Zone 3.

Week 4: July 28 – August 3 (Completed) 

Aerial pole inspections have been completed for Zone 5.

Re-flights: August 4 – 17 

Re-flight inspections undertaken with the primary focus being on Zone 6 in the Oxford area and then moving to Zone 4 & Zone  5.

 

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Outage notifications

WEATHER RELATED OUTAGES - updated 12.00pm 29/10/2025

We’re making great progress restoring power across the network. Currently there are 85 customers without power, but we have a large number of crews in multiple locations again today.

We will have a helicopter operating in the Hurunui Mouth area around midday today. The helicopter is a twin engine and is carrying out complex river crossing repairs. It will be travelling low and slow, and it will be quite loud.

Please keep the area clear so our teams can carry out these urgent repairs to restore power to the area.

Estimated restoration times are regularly being uploaded to the Outage Map.

If you have any concerns or questions, please call our customer service team on 0800 30 90 80.

TREAT ALL POWER LINES AS LIVE AT ALL TIMES. Please stay away from any downed lines and report any sighting to us on 0800 30 90 80.

For the most recent updates on outrages, please check our outage map. To report an outage, call 0800 30 90 80.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

Outage notifications

WEATHER RELATED OUTAGES - updated 12.00pm 29/10/2025

We’re making great progress restoring power across the network. Currently there are 85 customers without power, but we have a large number of crews in multiple locations again today.

We will have a helicopter operating in the Hurunui Mouth area around midday today. The helicopter is a twin engine and is carrying out complex river crossing repairs. It will be travelling low and slow, and it will be quite loud.

Please keep the area clear so our teams can carry out these urgent repairs to restore power to the area.

Estimated restoration times are regularly being uploaded to the Outage Map.

If you have any concerns or questions, please call our customer service team on 0800 30 90 80.

TREAT ALL POWER LINES AS LIVE AT ALL TIMES. Please stay away from any downed lines and report any sighting to us on 0800 30 90 80.

For the most recent updates on outrages, please check our outage map. To report an outage, call 0800 30 90 80.

We appreciate your understanding and patience during this time.

Is your outage not listed?

Troubleshoot your outage
Treat all lines as live during the outage period; power may be restored at any time. If you require further information, please call MainPower’s 24-hour faults line. To report an emergency, call 111.

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