25 February 2002
NEWS MEDIA RELEASE
Gas Supply Disruption
Natural Gas Corporation (NGC) advises that natural gas supplies to the southern half of the North Island have been
disrupted following a rupture of the main high pressure gas pipeline by a bulldozer.
Areas affected are Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu, Kapiti/Horowhenua, and the greater Wellington region.
NGC has moved to isolate the damaged section of the 8-inch pipeline and is advising natural gas retailers to arrange
load shedding, by asking large customers to cease gas offtake.
While still to fully assess the extent of damage NGC believes it may be 24 to 48 hours before repairs are completed and
full supply is restored. In the meantime, NGC believes linepack (gas still in the pipeline south of the isolated
section) will be sufficient for retailers to continue to supply small users, including households.
NGC received advice of the incident at 3.20pm today and was on location, near Himatangi, North of Foxton, within half an
hour. A large volume of gas was vented to air following the rupture. There was no ignition and the gas has quickly
dissipated. NGC has received no reports of injury.
NGC’s immediate concern has been to isolate the damaged section, assess the best means of repair and to restore supplies
as soon as possible. An investigation will be conducted into the incident.
ENDS