A crucial substation has flooded on the outskirts of Napier, cutting off electricity to Hawkes Bay and Gisborne for "days to weeks".
Challenges in the energy sector mean it's time for a dedicated energy ministry.
Because they affect the country's largest urban population, the Auckland floods will focus minds on the need for policies to "manage retreat" from climate change impacts.
Vector continues to warn that the number of powerless customers will continue to fluctuate through the storm.