Eastland Network general manager Brent Stewart has confirmed electricity was restored to the Gisborne and East Coast region at 6.50pm this evening.

Most of the Tairawhiti region lost power at 8.57am yesterday, when a topdressing plane crashed into high voltage powerlines near Hangaroa.

More than 40,000 residents have been without electricity since then, and line mechanic crews worked through the night to complete repairs to damaged circuits on the 110kV lines.

Mr Stewart thanked the people of Tairawhiti for their patience during the extended power outage.

“We will pass on your messages of appreciation to our crews. Right now we are delighted to have the power restored, but our thoughts remain with the families of the two men who lost their lives as a result of the plane crash.”

He said residents should expect a further loss of electricity within the next few days.

“This is required so that final repairs to the lines can be carried out. We will be making an announcement tomorrow morning about when this is likely to happen, and we will also give an estimate on the expected duration of the power shutdown.”

ENDS

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