Hokonui Breakfast with Chitty, 76a Main Street, Gore (2025)

29/10/2025

🔔Community Update
📪5.30PM Wednesday 29th October 2025

🔋PowerNet
⚡️We’re turning our attention to individual properties that are still without power even though the surrounding area has been restored.
👉 If your neighbours have power but you don’t, please fill out the Individual Fault Report Form on our website to let us know.
📱 You can also fill it out on behalf of friends, family, or neighbours who might not be able to access the form themselves.
https://powernet.co.nz/outages/report-a-fault-or-power-problems/
📞 If you can’t access the form, you can still call us on 0800 808 587 but please be aware we’re experiencing high call volumes, and we need to keep lines open for emergencies.
✅ You won’t get an automatic reply, but rest assured we’ve received your report and will respond as soon as we can.

💚 Our communities are continuing to recover after last week’s severe weather — here’s the latest on power, water, roads, welfare hubs, and support across Southland and Clutha. Please share so everyone stays informed..

📍 GORE UPDATE
The cleanup continues across our district after last week’s storm 🌪️. Our Parks team has been busy clearing fallen trees. Firewood is free, but please wait until the team has left the area before collecting. 🌲

💜 The Gore Multisports Complex is open for anyone who needs a FREE hot shower, with a warm space to enjoy a cuppa, a biscuit, and recharge your phone. These facilities will remain available for as long as needed.

📍 SOUTHLAND UPDATE
A state of emergency remains in place until at least Friday morning.
💚 Community & Support
Thank you for sharing generators, opening dairy sheds to neighbours, and caring for animals during these challenging conditions.
- If you need a generator or urgent welfare support, contact the Welfare Line: 0800 890 127 or [email protected] (monitored 9am–4:30pm).
- Requests for generators and support have slowed, but Emergency Management Southland continues circulating 31 large generators for critical infrastructure, dairy sheds, and community hubs.
⚡ Power & Safety
Still without power: ~3,900 in Southland and ~1,700 in Otago.
- Restoration is taking longer due to complex damage.
- Safety first: There are many downed lines, broken poles, and trees tangled in power lines.
- Do not try to clear debris yourself.
- Report hazards to PowerNet on 0800 808 587 or via their page.

💧 Water
Conserve water where possible; users may experience low water pressure until reservoirs refill.
Wastewater treatment is returning to normal, except Otautau and Winton, which still rely on generators.

🏡 Community Hubs & Welfare Centres
Open across the region for showers, power, WiFi, and support:

Invercargill: ILT Stadium Southland – 7:30am–8pm (showers, power, WiFi)
Wyndham: Wyndham Camping Ground – open all week (showers, laundry, power, kitchen)
Gore: MLT Event Centre – 6am–8pm (showers, hot drinks, power)
Gore Library – Tue, Thu, Fri 9:30am–6pm; Wed 9:30am–8pm; Sat 10am–1pm
Calvin Church – Mon–Fri 9am–3pm (charging, cuppa, limited WiFi)

Winton: Limehills Rugby Club & VetSouth Winton
Riverton: Riverton Rugby Club
Tuatapere: Tui Base Camp ($5 showers)
Tokanui: Tokanui Tavern & Bistro
Drummond: Drummond Rugby Club (check Facebook for hours)
Waikaia: Waikaia Pub, Campground & Waikaka Complex
Orepuki: Orepuki Fire Station
Edendale: Pioneer Tavern
Curio Bay: CurioScape & nearby campground

🍔 Community BBQs
Hosted by Rural Support Trust, Emergency Management Southland, DairyNZ, and rural supporters.
No RSVP needed — just turn up:
- Today (Wed 29 Oct): Woodlands Rugby Club & Riverton Rugby Club (5:30–8pm)
- Tomorrow (Thu 30 Oct): Tokanui Tavern & Dipton Golf Course
- More events announced via Southland Rural Support Trust page.

🆘 Support & Wellbeing
- Check in on family, friends, and neighbours.
- Need to talk to a trained counsellor? Text 1737 (24/7 support) or visit 1737.org.nz.

⚠️ Parks & Reserves
- Almost all Invercargill parks and reserves remain closed until deemed safe.
- Fallen trees and branches remain a major safety risk.
- Do not enter parks or collect firewood.

🌦️ Current Weather & Safety
- No flooding concerns at this stage, but weather and river levels are being monitored.
- Take care on the roads and check for closures.
- Keep an eye on MetService for the latest updates.

📞 Public Information Contact
Emergency Management Southland
0800 76 88 45 | [email protected]

📍 SOUTH/WEST OTAGO (CLUTHA DISTRICT) UPDATE
⚡ Power
• Around 1,700 still without power (down from 2,400 yesterday).
• PowerNet crews (10 teams) are out working today across Mount Wallace Rd, Owaka Valley, Ahuriri Flat, Kaka Point, Tuapeka West, Waitepeka, Clutha Valley, and Milton.
• Some roads remain closed due to powerline work: Back Rd (Milton) & Clarke Rd. Mount Wallace Rd expected to reopen later today.

🚰 Water
- Urgent conserve notices: Lawrence, Tapanui & Clinton – reservoir levels are low (Lawrence 19%, Tapanui 37%).
- Boil water notices: Still in place across most of the district (except Balclutha, Milton, Waihola, Kaitangata & Wangaloa).
- Water tanks available for container fills in: Lawrence, Clinton, Tapanui, Milton, Kaka Point, Taieri Mouth & Tuapeka Mouth.

🌳 Tree Safety
Please don’t tackle dangerous fallen trees yourself — they can be under extreme tension. Contact a forestry contractor if in doubt.

🗑️ Food Waste Disposal
Skips for spoiled food are available in Ōwaka, Lawrence & Taieri Mouth (food waste only). You can also drop off food waste for free at Mt Cooee and transfer stations.

🏠 Welfare & Community Hubs
Open today for showers, charging & support:
- Balclutha Centennial Pool: 6am–8pm – showers & charging
- Lawrence Library: 10am–5pm – portaloos & charging
- Heriot Fire Station: 9am–8pm – tea, coffee, showers, washing facilities
- Owaka, Waitahuna, Clinton, Kaka Point, Tuapeka Mouth, Waikaka, Papatowai – various facilities open (see full list: www.cluthadc.govt.nz/weather-event)

💰 Mayoral Relief Fund
The Clutha District Mayoral Relief Fund now totals $150,000 (including $100k from Council and $50k from Central Government).
Donations can be made to 03 1734 0061851 02 – Reference: “Mayoral Relief Fund”
Funds will support those facing hardship after the storm — more info & applications: www.cluthadc.govt.nz/mayoral-relief

“He waka eke noa – we’re all in this together.” – Clutha District Mayor Elect Jock Martin

📍 INVERCARGILL & BLUFF UPDATE
🌪️Invercargill City Council warns danger not over, recovery underway…
The clean-up is happening across Invercargill and Bluff, but the scale of damage continues to grow, with more trees reported to have fallen overnight.

🌳 Parks and reserves remain closed until further notice — please stay out of all green spaces, including Queens Park, Thomsons Bush, Donovan Park, Anderson Park, Omaui Scenic Reserve and others. Many trees are still unstable and dangerous.

✅ Reopened areas: Only Surrey Park and surrounding facilities (grandstand, softball area, old school site, Pirates-Old Boys grounds) are safe.
🚫 Forestry and recreation areas at Sandy Point remain closed — including mountain bike tracks and the car park.
🚗 Most roads have reopened, including Sandy Point Rd. Temporary closures remain at Queens Dr (Yarrow–Tay) and Don St (Doon–Queens Dr) for safe tree removal.

🏊 Splash Palace is open after temporary repairs.
🏢 Te Hīnaki Civic Building, Library & Civic Theatre are open; the Bluff Service Centre remains closed due to power issues.
🚛 Transfer stations and three waters operations in Invercargill and Bluff are running normally.

🪵 Fallen branches will be mulched; logs and trunks will later be available as free firewood for the community.

Chief Executive Michael Day says recovery will take weeks or longer and stresses: safety is the top priority — please stay clear of dangerous areas while crews work.

27/10/2025

📅 Latest Update from Emergency Management Southland
11:10 AM, Tuesday 28 October

📢Key priorities remain:
✔ Restoring power to lifelines – telecommunications, water, and wastewater
✔ Supporting community and animal welfare needs
✔ Distributing and tracking generators to critical services (healthcare, supermarkets, fuel stations, water treatment)

⚠️ Important Reminders
📞 Need a generator or urgent welfare support? Call 0800 890 127 (9 AM–4:30 PM) or email [email protected] with your location and requirements.
✅ Check on neighbours, share verified info, and stay safe.
⚡ Do NOT clear debris near fallen power lines – it’s dangerous.

📍 Current Situation
State of Emergency remains in place for Southland.
Weather has turned colder with snow flurries in some areas – take care on roads and check closures.
Keep warm: layer up, close doors/windows, and pull curtains.
Farmers are rallying together – sharing generators, opening dairy sheds, and supporting neighbours.
Community hubs are open with help from Rural Support Trust and NZ Defence Force.

🪖 NZ Defence Force in Action
Five Southland soldiers from 2/4 RNZIR are deployed to support communities, alongside Emergency Management welfare teams. They’re visiting remote areas, doing welfare checks, and delivering information.

✅ Welfare Teams Today:
Waikaia, Riversdale, Piano Flat
Greenpoint, Omaui, Greenhills, Makarewa
Yesterday: Ohai, Nightcaps, Drummond, Otautau, Orepuki, Colac Bay, Tuatapere, Tokanui, Fortrose, Waikawa Valley, Curio Bay, Mokoreta, Wyndham, Edendale

💧 Water & Wastewater
Conserve water – low pressure until reservoirs refill.
Some wastewater plants still on generators.

⚡ Power Update
PowerNet reports 6,250 customers in Southland and 2,500 in Otago still without power.
Restoration is progressing, but some properties may take up to a week.
Power may go out again during repairs.

🏠 Community Hubs
12–14 hubs open for showers, charging, and WiFi.

📚 Schools
10 schools closed today due to power/water outages.

🔌 Generators
31 generators are circulating to support critical infrastructure and dairy sheds. Communities sharing generators are making a huge difference – thank you!

🌳 Parks & Reserves
All Invercargill parks remain closed – please don’t enter to tidy up, it’s unsafe.

👩‍🌾 Farmers
For wellbeing: 0800 787 254
Animal welfare: MPI 0800 00 83 33
Milk disposal: Contact your dairy company or Environment Southland.

🩺 Health & Food Safety
Boil or disinfect water for drinking, brushing teeth, washing food/dishes.
Eat perishables first, minimise fridge opening, discard spoiled food.
Store medicines in a chiller bin with ice packs.

🔥 Fire Safety During Outages
Turn off appliances that were on when power went out.
Use torches instead of candles. If using candles, keep in jars & never leave unattended.
Keep camp cookers stable & away from kids/pets.

💙 Stay safe, Southland. Check on neighbours and share this update.
📸 Photos:
- NZ Defence Force deployed to support Southland communities
- Storm damage
- Student Volunteer Army helping out in community areas
- Snow in Waianiwa

27/10/2025

Friend of the show Val sent this in from her place in Moa Flat this morning — no power and a pretty decent dump of the white stuff to top it off! Testing times, but that Southern spirit runs strong amongst us all. ❄️🫶🏽

27/10/2025

⚠️ SOUTHLAND & SOUTH WEST OTAGO STORM RECOVERY UPDATE
📫 As at 04.30PM Tuesday 28 October

📢 SOUTHLAND

🧡 Welfare & Community Hubs

Our amazing welfare teams have been out and about checking in on communities, delivering key messages, and offering support 💪
Today, teams visited:
🏘️ Waikaia, Riversdale, Piano Flat
🌊 Greenpoint, Omaui, Greenhills, Makarewa
Yesterday, teams were in:
🏠 Ohai, Nightcaps, Drummond, Otautau
🌅 Orepuki, Colac Bay, Tuatapere
🐚 Tokanui, Fortrose, Waikawa Valley, Curio Bay
🌾 Mokoreta, Wyndham, Edendale

🏫 Schools
8 schools across the region were closed today due to power or water outages ⚡💧
📚 Central Southland College
📚 Heddon Bush School
📚 Heriot School
📚 St Thomas School (Winton)
📚 Te Tipua School
📚 Waianiwa School (reopening Wednesday)
📚 Waikaka School (reopening Wednesday))
📚 Winton School
👉 Please keep an eye on updates from your local schools throughout the week.

📢 SOUTH & WEST OTAGO UPDATE
Emergency Management Otago Group Controller Matt Alley says:
“Responders are working tirelessly to restore services. It’s heartening to see communities supporting each other. Please keep checking on others and sharing information.”

💵 Financial Support
💰 Grants of up to $1,000 are available through Rural Women New Zealand for affected individuals (e.g. to replace a fridge or cover insurance excess).
🏛️ The Government has also contributed $50,000 to the Clutha District Council Mayoral Relief Fund for one-off assistance.

PowerNet has restored supply to:
✅ Beaumont
✅ Lovells Flat
✅ Romahapa
✅ Warepa
…and parts of other areas.

➡️ Damage remains widespread, so power may take weeks to return in some rural areas.
🔌 Extra crews from Delta are helping between Balclutha and Gore.

📱 Cell Towers
All transformers supplying cell towers in Clutha District are back online — except the OneNZ tower at Puaho Road, Purakauiti (near Maclennan and Papatowai).

🚰 Water
💧 Lawrence reservoir remains very low (10%) — residents are urged to conserve water.
✅ Issues at the treatment plant are resolved and refilling has started.
⚠️ A boil water notice remains in place for most of the district except:
Balclutha, Kaitangata, Wangaloa, Milton & Waihola.

🚧 Roading
Many roads remain partially or fully closed due to downed power lines.
🚜 Detours are in place, and updates can be found on the Clutha District Council website.

🧑‍🌾 Support for Farmers
👩‍🌾 MPI & Otago Rural Support Trust are hosting Rural Information Meetings this Wednesday, 29 October in:
Ōwaka, Lawrence, Tapanui & Clydevale.
👉 More info: Facebook event link
Need extra help or wellbeing support?
📞 Call the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254

✅ Compliance
Farmers unable to meet environmental rules — please contact the Otago Regional Council:
📞 0800 800 033
📧 [email protected]

ORC staff will also be at the Rural Information Meetings to help with:
💩 Effluent storage
🥛 Milk dumping
🚱 Stock water & waste disposal

🏠 Welfare Centres
Drop-in centres are open across the district — locations include:
Balclutha, Lawrence, Heriot, Clutha Valley, Benhar, Ōwaka, Waitahuna, Clinton, Kaka Point, Taieri Mouth, Tuapeka Mouth, Papatowai & Waikaka.

🕓 Hours vary — check the Clutha District Council Weather Event Page for details.
💬 Please keep checking on neighbours, especially those who are elderly, isolated, or without communication.

⚡️ POWER
🔹 Southland: 3900 customers still out
🔹 Otago (Clutha): 1700 customers still out
💡 Progress continues, but damage is widespread and recovery may take weeks in some remote areas.

⛽ Fuel: Supplies remain healthy

💧 WATER
💧 Gore: Nitrate levels trending down
💧 Clutha: Boil water notices remain in place

⚠️ Do NOT remove restrictors – it slows water getting through.
🧰 Check and clean your Y-strainer: Restrictor Cleaning Guide
🌳 Check for damaged waterlines from fallen or shifted trees and report breaks so crews can repair.

🛠 GENERATORS
Need one urgently? ☎️ 0800 890 127 or 📧 [email protected]

🚧 ROADING
📍 Gore & Southland
✅ All local roads in Gore District now open, except 🛑 Pope Rd (Rapid #38 to end) – reopening by midday.
⚠️ Some debris remains; cleanup will take weeks. Report hazards to Council.
🚗 Mavora Lakes Rd open but water still over parts of the road.
❄️ Fortrose to Tokanui: Snow falling and settling – drive carefully!

🏕️ Southland parks & reserves closed this week for safety checks.
🏢 All SDC offices open (except Lumsden – usual Tuesday closure; Wyndham pending power).

🏠 COMMUNITY HUBS & WELFARE

Southland:
📍 Invercargill – ILT Stadium Southland: Free showers, WiFi, power (7:30 AM–8 PM)
📍 Wyndham – Camping Ground: Showers, laundry, kitchen
📍 Winton – Lime Hills Rugby Club: Showers, cooking, charging
📍 Edendale – Pub: Free showers during open hours
📍 Riverton – Rugby Club: Showers, water, WiFi
📍 Tuatapere – Tui Base Camp: Hot showers ($5), accommodation
📍 Tokanui – Hotel: Showers, dryers, charging, bistro
📍 Drummond – Rugby Club: Power, showers, cooking
📍 Waikaia – Pub & Campground: Showers, washers, dryers, food
📍 Waikaka – Complex (5–8:30 PM): Showers & power

Clutha:
🏊‍♀️ Balclutha: Centennial Pool (6am–8pm) – showers & charging
🚿 Lawrence: Simpsons Park (10am–5pm) – portaloos & charging
☕ Heriot: Fire Station (9am–8pm) – showers, laundry, tea/coffee
🚻 Benhar: 2 portaloos
🌐 Owaka: Info Centre (10am–5pm, internet & power)
🧺 Owaka: Catlins Area Motel Southland District Councily)
🔥 Waitahuna: Fire Station (12pm–8pm, heating & cooking)
💧 Clinton: Tap at Community Centre (boil before use)
💧 Kaka Point: Public toilet water tank (boil before use)
🚰 Taieri Mouth: Water tank available
🚰 Tuapeka Mouth: Water tank at 979 Tuapeka Mouth Rd (drinkable, no boiling needed)
🌊 Papatowai: Lost Gypsy – 24/7 Wifi, water, community freezer
🥣 Waikaka: Community Centre – kitchen & water

☎️ Need help? 0800 801 350

👩‍🌾 FARMERS
💬 Wellbeing: 0800 787 254
🐑 Animal welfare:
– Southland MPI: 0800 00 83 33
– Clutha ORC: 0800 800 033 or 📧 [email protected]
📅 Balclutha Sale Yards: Sheep & cattle sales postponed until Wed 5 Nov

📅 RURAL INFO MEETINGS – WED 29 OCT
💬 Updates on weather recovery, safety, tree management, generators & welfare.
🕘 Ōwaka – 9am
🕛 Lawrence – 12pm
🕒 Tapanui – 3pm
🕖 Clydevale – 7pm
☕ Tea & coffee provided – please spread the word.

☕ SPOT COFFEE OUTREACH – TUATAPERE
Free coffee & chat for farmers needing a break 🤍
📅 Wed 29 Oct
🕛 Orepuki (11:30 AM–1 PM) | McCrackens Rest (1–2:30 PM)
📅 Thu 30 Oct – Brunel Peak Café (ALL DAY)
📅 Fri 31 Oct – Hauroko School (11–11:45 AM), Orawia Hall (12–1:30 PM), Tuatapere Pool Carpark (2–3 PM)
💧 HEALTH & FOOD SAFETY
⚠️ Boil water before drinking
🥫 Eat perishables first, discard spoiled food
🗑️ Skips for spoiled food located in Lawrence, Taieri Mouth & Ōwaka

💰 FUNDING SUPPORT
💵 Government has contributed $50,000 to the Clutha Mayoral Relief Fund
📱 Text Donate to 5009 for details

📡 CONNECTIVITY
📶 Starlink units have been deployed to isolated areas to help restore communication.

💚 Please continue checking on neighbours, share verified info, and stay safe.
More updates will follow throughout the day as the situation evolves.

27/10/2025

A tough but understandable decision from our mates Tour of Southland 🫡🚴🏽

27/10/2025

📋 It’s a biiiigy but this is where we are at with the latest info from Emergency Management Southland as at 5PM Monday 27th October:

‼️States of emergency remain in place across Southland, with response efforts continuing into this week. Please read carefully and stay safe!

💧 Water Update
- Winton & Ohai residents: water is out until 8pm tonight.
- Conserve water where possible – low pressure may continue until reservoirs refill.
- Other wastewater plants are mostly back to normal; some still rely on generators.

⚡ Power & Generators
- Power may go out again as repairs continue – please continue conserving water.
- Approx. 6,250 in Southland & 2,500 in Otago still without power.
- Generators are being shared – thank you to communities helping each other!
- NZ Defence Force soldiers are assisting remote communities with welfare checks & info.

⛽ Fuel Supplies
- Fuel is healthy across Southland; most stations are open & operational.

🏫 Schools
- Schools aim to open tomorrow, but some may still have power/water issues.
- Many planned camps have been cancelled.

🌳 Parks & Reserves
- Invercargill parks & reserves remain closed.
- Please do not enter to tidy up – it’s unsafe.

🏘️ Community Hubs & Facilities Open
- Invercargill: ILT Stadium Southland – 7:30am–8pm, Tue onwards. Showers, power, WiFi.
- Wyndham: Wyndham Camping Ground – open all week. Showers, laundry, power, kitchen.
- Gore: MLT Event Centre – open today until 5pm. Showers, hot drinks, power.
- Winton: Lime Hills Rugby Club – showers, cooking, power, water, charging.
- Riverton: Riverton Rugby Club – showers, water, WiFi.
- Tuatapere: Tui Base Camp – hot showers ($5) & accommodation.
- Tokanui: Tokanui Hotel – showers, laundry, charging, bistro open.
- Drummond: Drummond Rugby Club – power, charging, cooking facilities.
- Waikaia: Waikaia Pub & Campground – showers, laundry, cooking, charging.
- Waikaka: Waikaka Complex – today 5–8:30pm, showers & power.

🔔Important Reminders
- Need a generator or urgent welfare help? Call 0800 890 127 or email [email protected].
- Check on your neighbours, share verified info & stay safe.
- Do not attempt to clear fallen power lines – it’s extremely dangerous.

🔥 Fire & Safety During Outages
- Turn off appliances before power returns.
- Use torches/battery lamps instead of candles. If using candles, keep them in a stable holder & away from flammables.
- Keep children & pets away from heating/cooking devices.

🌡️ Weather Update
- Occasional rain & cold blasts over the next few days, snow to 400m.
- If you’re without power, stay warm: extra layers, close doors/windows, pull curtains.
- Don’t use outdoor gas appliances indoors.

🧴 Health & Food Safety
- Wash hands frequently; use boiled/disinfected water for drinking, brushing teeth, cooking, and baby formula.
- Power out? Eat perishable foods first, minimise fridge/freezer openings, store medicines safely, discard spoiled food.

🐄 Rural Impacts
- Farmers: generators are available for milking sheds & stock water.
- Need support? Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254, Animal welfare MPI: 0800 00 83 33.

🙏 Thank you to everyone helping their communities. Let’s stay strong, safe, and look out for one another, Southland. 💚

27/10/2025

🔔Otago Civil Defence and Emergency Management
🕓 Update: 4:00 PM, Monday 27 October 2025

🗓️Four days after the significant storm, emergency response efforts in Clutha continue to restore power, telecommunications, and water services. Clutha Civil Defence is leading the response, supported by Emergency Management Otago, emergency services, and partner agencies.

🗣️ From Matt Alley, EMO Group Controller:
“There’s been a mammoth effort over the past few days to support people and restore services as fast as possible. We’re also seeing communities helping each other—from farmers sharing generators to neighbours checking in. This support is invaluable.”

❄️ Cold weather safety: Anyone without heating is encouraged to stay with friends or whanau until power is restored.

📡 Telecommunications: Starlink satellites have been sent to isolated areas, delivered with help from the NZ Defence Force.

⚡ Power update:
- 2,500 properties remain without power.
- Power restored to 900+ properties on Sunday.
- Kaitangata, Ōwaka, Taieri Mouth, and most of Lawrence have power back.
- Additional resources are on the way to support restoration across the district.

🚰 Water & wastewater:
- All plants expected to be operational by end of today, many running on generators.
- Water tanks are available where needed.
- Boil water notice in place for most of the district, except Balclutha, Kaitangata, Wangaloa, Milton, and Waihola.

🛣️ Roading: Many roads remain closed or partially closed. Check the Clutha District Council website for the latest updates.

🐄 Support for farmers:
-Contact Rural Support Trust for wellbeing and welfare: 0800 787 254.
- For environmental compliance issues, contact Otago Regional Council: 0800 800 033 or [email protected].

🏠 Welfare centres: Drop-in centres were open across Lawrence, Balclutha, Heriot, Ōwaka, Clydevale, Waitahuna, and Waiwera South. Please check on neighbours, especially the elderly or isolated.

🌳 Tree & powerline safety: It is extremely dangerous to clear fallen trees or branches, especially near powerlines. Stay well clear.

🥫 Food safety: Advice is available on the Clutha District Council website. Skips for spoiled food are at:
- Simpson Park, Lawrence
- Knarston Park, Taieri Mouth
- Ōwaka Freedom Camping Site

💛 Community support: Check on neighbours, share info, and stay safe. Together, we’ll get through this!

27/10/2025

📣Clutha Mayoral Relief Fund – Open Now!
📪Monday 27th October 3.00PM

The severe winds on Thursday, 23 October caused major damage across Clutha 😔🏠⚡💧.
To help those affected, the Clutha Mayoral Relief Fund is now open to public donations, following a $50,000 government contribution 💰.

💳 Donate here:
Clutha District Council bank account: 03 1734 0061851 02
📌 Use reference: “Mayoral Relief Fund”

The fund is for residents, ratepayers, businesses, and not-for-profits who’ve suffered financial hardship. Assistance is one-off for extraordinary circumstances 🏘️💪.

🙏 Every contribution helps – no amount is too small 💛💸

Jock Martin - Clutha District Mayor says:
“Clutha’s people are strong 💪, and the generosity and compassion we’ve seen has been incredible 💕. The road to recovery will be long 🛠️, but together, we’ll get through it 🌏. Kia kaha, Clutha – we are in this together 💛.”

26/10/2025

Heartbreaking scenes from Greenfields/ Clydevale area. 🌳💔

These photos & video show just some of the widespread damage left behind after Thursday’s intense winds that ripped through Southland and South West Otago.

A huge thank you to Hudson and the Allan Whānau for allowing us to share these powerful drone images — Hudson captured drone footage of trees falling at 12:46 PM on Thursday, showing just how fierce the storm was.

Our thoughts are with everyone affected across the regions. 💚

26/10/2025

Big birthday love to the gorgeous Ada, who turned eight last week! 🎂💖
We hope your week’s been filled with smiles, laughter, and plenty of cake! 🥰🎈

At Hokonui, we love celebrating all the good in our community — the people, the birthdays, the anniversaries, the moments that make you smile, the wins big or small, and everything in between 💫💐

Got something worth celebrating? 🎊
Text 5009 or message us on Facebook with your shoutout, and we’ll share it during Hokonui Celebration Calls, weekdays between 7–8 AM 🎤💛

Every shoutout goes in the draw to win our weekly Celebration Cake, proudly brought to you by Helloworld Travel Gore Lower South Island 🌎

26/10/2025

⚡ PowerNet Update – Southland & Otago
📌Monday 27th October 12.00PM

🔋Good progress is being made, but many homes are still without power:
- Southland: 6,250 customers out of 38,200
- Otago: 2,500 customers out of 15,700

🪫Chief Executive Paul Blue says some areas may take longer to restore due to widespread or complex damage. Extra crews are on the way, with around 220 field staff available by Wednesday.

🏡Some homes may remain without power even when neighbours are back online—this is usually due to property-specific damage, which crews will address soon.

👷🏽‍♀️Safety reminder: Please do not clear debris or fix lines yourself. Report broken poles, downed lines, or trees on lines to the power company and wait for trained crews.

🔌PowerNet is also working with rural agencies to prioritise dairy farms for power restoration or generator support.

🙌🏽Thanks for your patience, and please check on your neighbours while repairs continue.

‼️ Emergency Management Southland Update from EMS Controller Jack Rudolph
📫Monday 27th October 10AM
📌 States of emergency remain in place for Southland. The emergency response will continue into this week.

💧 Winton residents: Please conserve water and avoid unnecessary use. Low pressure may occur until reservoirs refill.

🚰 Wastewater plants: Returning to normal, but some still rely on generators.

⛽ Fuel: Supplies are healthy across Southland. Most stations have power and are operational.

⚡ Power: Many urban areas and critical services are restored, but cell sites and dairy farms remain a focus. Some customers may be without power for up to a week.

🌊 Gore water: Nitrate levels continue to trend downward.

❗ Important Reminder
If you need a generator or have urgent welfare needs, call 0800 890 127 or email [email protected] with your location and requirements.
Check on neighbours, share verified info, and stay safe.
Do NOT clear debris from fallen power lines — it’s dangerous and could cause more damage.

🔑 Key Priorities
Restoring power to lifelines: telecommunications, water, wastewater
Addressing community and animal welfare needs
Efficient distribution and tracking of generators, prioritising critical services like healthcare, supermarkets, fuel stations, and water treatment

🚜 Rural Impacts
EMS is working with farmers to identify generator needs for milking sheds and stock water
Generators are being sourced and distributed to areas likely to remain without power for some time
Talk to your dairy supply company and Environment Southland if you need to dispose of milk
Large generators arriving in Southland will go to critical services first, then redistributed as power is restored

🔥 Fire Safety During Power Outage
Turn off all appliances (cookers, heaters) that were in use when power went off
Use torches or battery lamps instead of candles. If using candles, keep them in stable holders and away from flammable items
Never leave candles burning in empty rooms or near sleeping areas
If using camp cookers or alternative heating, ensure they’re on a stable base and keep children and pets away

🌨 Weather
Weather warnings have lifted, but occasional rain and a cold blast is expected over the next few days, with snow above 800m
If you don’t have power, staying warm will be harder — plan ahead for heating and firewood
Preserve heat by closing doors and curtains, wear extra layers, and don’t wait until you’re cold
Never use outdoor gas appliances indoors (patio heaters, camping cookers, BBQs)

⚠️🚧 All local roads in the Gore District are open EXCEPT those listed below:
- Heaps Road – full length from Old Coach Road (SH93) to River Road
-Pope Road – from Rapid #38 to end of road
- Pinnacle Road – from end of seal to Morrison Road (powerlines hanging over road)
- Herron Road – from Greenvale Road to McMillan Road

🚿Drummond Rugby Club has showers, cooking facilities and power to charge devices.

Southland is showing incredible resilience – thank you to everyone helping neighbours and communities. 👏y er

Hokonui Breakfast with Chitty

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