The lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle: trim trees, protect substations

The lessons from Cyclone Gabrielle: trim trees, protect substations
Cyclone Gabrielle cut power to 11% of NZ electricity connections. (Image: Getty)
Ian Llewellyn
Trees that electricity lines companies are not allowed to trim caused most of the power outages during Cyclone Gabrielle, a review of the storm has found.The work by consultants Energia said changes to the tree regulations would be one way to reduce power cuts on such a large scale again.Gabrielle was extreme with the loss of unused electricity because of the cyclone valued at more than $500 million with the cost of repairs on top of that, let alone the losses to businesses and others in not having an energy supply.'Out-of-zone'The revi...

More Economy

Consumer confidence back on the up – ANZ survey
Economy Free

Consumer confidence back on the up – ANZ survey

Consumer confidence rose five points to 98.3 in April, according to the latest ANZ-Roy Morgan survey, shoring up the upward trend that was starting to look wobbly.But inflation expectations also rose sharply – up 0.5 points to 4.7%, the highest reading since July 2023.“Household...

Staff reporters 24 Apr 2025
‘Uncertainty abounds’: Willis on trade war challenges
Economy

‘Uncertainty abounds’: Willis on trade war challenges

The impacts for NZ are twofold and will make its economic recovery harder, Willis says.

Rebecca Howard 23 Apr 2025
Rise in liquidations compounded by IRD crackdown
Economy

Rise in liquidations compounded by IRD crackdown

The IRD filed two-thirds of creditor applications in the March quarter.

Gregor Thompson 22 Apr 2025