High vis heroes carrying out time-consuming work to restore services
29 October 2025
Progress to restore services in the Clutha District continues but it’s hard labour, requiring many hours for each property.
Emergency Management Otago Group Controller Matt Alley says,
“With one instance of 5 kilometres of cable needing to be laid to restore power for just 2 houses, this is intense and intricate labour, an exhausting long haul for power crews. We know people without power are struggling but with so much ground to cover it could be as much as two weeks before service is fully restored - so hold each other up, check in on neighbours, and know emergency responders are working day and night to get power reinstated.
“People’s safety and the restoration of essential services remains our priority. Support services and welfare centres are in place to help people. We are hearing about the high vis heroes out there doing the community proud”.
Heroes in orange: working to restore power at Tuapeka Mouth yesterday. Photo: Peter McIntosh, ODT
Welfare centres
Drop-in welfare centres continue to be available across the district. An updated list can be found here: www.cluthadc.govt.nz/weather-event
People are asked to reach out and check on neighbours who may be elderly, live alone, or are currently without communication.
Financial support/donations
Clutha District Council has today announced a contribution of $100,000 to Clutha’s Mayoral Relief fund to provide financial support to those affected by the devastating weather event.
Council’s contribution would increase the total of the fund to $150,000 which included Central Government’s $50,000 contribution announced on Monday. Mayor Elect Jock Martin is asking councils from throughout New Zealand to contribute to the fund and support the people of Clutha.
The fund is for affected individuals/families, rural communities, community organisations, and small businesses that:
- Have experienced financial hardship caused by a natural disaster event
- Require basic needs, household goods, and personal items (uninsured or underinsured)
- Support with clearing debris from properties that are not insured or are underinsured
To learn more about the fund and to apply visit www.cluthadc.govt.nz/mayoral-relief
Grants of up to $1,000 are available through Rural Women New Zealand to support affected individuals. Funds are for personal use, for example, a new fridge or insurance excess etc.
Power update
A huge effort yesterday saw 200 more people regain power. 1700 remain without power.
The focus today: Mount Wallace Road, Owaka Valley and Catlins Valley roads, Ahuriri Flat, Kaka Point, Tuapeka West, Waitepeka, Clutha Valley – Hadfield Road, Sunflower Road and Back Road, Milton.
There is good progress being made; however, the damage is widespread so power outages for remote areas could last weeks. Additional resources from Delta have arrived to help.
Power has been restored to all transformers supplying power to cellphone towers in the Clutha district.
Water
Lawrence reservoir is at 18% - critically low
Tapanui – 39% - low as well
Urgent conserve water notices have been issued this morning for Lawrence, Tapanui and Clinton.
The rest of the district remains on a precautionary boil water notice (except Balclutha, Milton,
Waihola, Kaitangata and Wangaloa).The whole district should be conserving water where they can and avoiding any activities requiring a large amount of water. Breaks are being found as water comes on, please report leaks to 0800 801 350.
Roading
A few roads remain closed. The Clutha District Council website has the latest updates.
Support for farmers
For wellbeing and welfare assistance contact Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Compliance
Farmers unable to comply with environmental rules and regulations, are asked to let Otago
Regional Council know. ORC Staff can give advice on how to handle effluent storage, milk dumping, stock exclusion, stock water and green waste disposal. Call 0800 800 033 or email pollution@orc.govt.nz.
Tree safety
Don’t tackle damaged trees yourself. Any power lines amongst trees must be considered LIVE and dangerous.
If you have serious concerns about a dangerous tree situation, there are forestry contractors and arborists in the Clutha District who are willing to help, a list is on CDC website.
Food safety
Skips have been placed in Ōwaka, Lawrence and Taieri Mouth for the disposal of spoiled food waste. Food waste drop offs can also be made at Mt Cooee for free, as well as transfer stations.
Stay informed
Get updates and information at cluthadc.govt.nz/weather-event
Follow these Facebook pages for the latest updates: Powernet, Otago Civil Defence and Emergency
Management, Radio New Zealand, Otago Regional Council, Otago Rural Support Trust.
Listen to Radio New Zealand (101 FM / 810 AM), More FM (92.9 FM / 93.7 FM) or Hokonui (95.2 FM /
91.3 FM / 88.3 FM) if you are able to.
ENDS
Communication contact
027 604 9591