Help for Porirua residents without power

Porirua residents without power wanting a hot shower and somewhere warm to go for the evening are being invited to the Porirua Aquatic Centre and Porirua Club.

“The Council is opening the Aquatic Centre showers for people to come and access for free and they can do this while the pools are open until 9pm,” says Porirua Mayor Nick Leggett.

“Porirua Club has also kindly offered for people to come and keep warm and have some fun until the crisis is over. Folk can watch the rugby in a special lounge the club has set up with tea and coffee and if they want, to they can purchase a casual meal. They are open until midnight.”

Wellington Electricity has said that 1000 homes in Porirua are currently without power but half of them should be connected again by midnight.

“If you’re one of those without power, plan to stay with family or friends tonight if your house is going to be too cold. Check on your neighbours too,” says Mayor Leggett.

“If your power is out and you don’t want to leave home, stay indoors, rug up warm and go to bed early. But if your power is working, think about inviting family or friends who are affected to come and stay with you tonight.”

Not all of Porirua is affected by the outage – supermarkets, takeaway outlets, laundromats in the CBD, Cannons Creek etc are still operating.

Wellington Electricity has asked if people see lines down, exploded transformers or other electrical hazards which are a threat to safety or if you are medically dependent on electricity and have none, to please phone the 24 hr Electricity Emergency phone line 0800 248 148. If you find your home is the only one without power in your street, contact your local power retailer.

Mayor Leggett says the recovery work being done by the Council is well under way and under control with four crews from the Council’s Works Depot continuing to clear roads, fallen trees and slips.

All roads in Porirua are now open apart from Paekakariki Hill Rd which is only open for residents to access their homes.

ENDS

© Scoop Media