8 August 2016 – 11am

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence and Emergency Management Media Release

Civil Defence teams assess needs of those without power

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group (CDEM) has spent the morning in the hill country north of Napier assessing the needs of people who have been without power since Saturday morning.

A team, including staff from the Hastings District Council, has headed into the hill country first thing this morning and is expected to be able to report back later this afternoon.

Hawke’s Bay Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Controller Ian Macdonald says they are working with roading authorities, power and telecommunications companies to identify which areas are impacted and where assistance may be required.

He says staff are also liaising with the rural support networks to identify any specific issues.

“So far it appears those affected are coping well, however we are aware there are a number of dairy farms that have had no power since Friday and they are a priority. However access continues to be a challenge,” says Mr Macdonald.

State Highway 5 the Napier-Taupo Road remains closed and is unlikely to open before3pm. The Napier Taihape Road is closed all day. State Highway 2 from Napier to Wairoa is open and State Highway 2 north of Gisborne is open but very icy. With forecast low temperatures, conditions are likely to worsen over night

“Anyone travelling on the roads needs to take extreme care,” says Mr Macdonald.

For the latest road closure updates visit www.nzta.govt.nz/traffic.

For more information on getting ready to get thru a civil defence emergency visitwww.hbemergency.govt.nz or visit the Hawke’s Bay Emergency Facebook page.

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