Firstlight Network

⚡Power outage? Check our website for outage updates: https://firstlightnetwork.co.nz/tell-me-about/outages.
Or call our 24/7 fault line 0800 206 207 for the latest.

Kia ora to our customers in and around Raupunga.
Our crews have been working as quickly and safely as they can to restore power to your area after strong winds early this morning caused trees to go through lines.

We know it's particularly cold weather, so we have our emergency generator connected to reduce the impact on the customers affected until the permanent repairs can be completed tomorrow. So that we can manage the total capacity of the generator, customers in the area may be affected by rolling outages.

These outages will be for short durations of between 2-3 hours during the next 12-24 hours, as we alternate supply to ensure nobody is left without power for the entire period.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.

Keep up to date with outage information here on our website: https://firstlightnetwork.co.nz/tell-me-about/outages or call our faults line on 0800 206 207.

🪴We're growing together with Powerco, so what better way to celebrate this new chapter in our story than to plant a native tree at our Gisborne office.🪴

More than 80 people met for breakfast ahead of planting a kōwhai tree, marking a new chapter in electricity distribution in Tairāwhiti and Wairoa districts, as Firstlight Network and Powerco come together as one company.

As well as the tree planting, each person who attended the breakfast was given a potted seedling to mark the fact that the three companies were "growing together".

Learn more here: https://firstlightnetwork.co.nz/tell-me-about/firstlight-network/network-news/firstlight-network-and-powerco-growing-together-with-tree-planting

The intention is that Firstlight Network will eventually become Powerco – including the name – however this process is likely to take some months. This is because Firstlight Network and Powerco have very different outage control technology and data systems to operate their respective electricity networks.

Find out more about the transition and what it means for Firstlight Network customers here: https://firstlightnetwork.co.nz/tell-me-about/firstlight-network/network-news/business-as-usual-for-firstlight-network-under-new-ownership

You may remember that back in October last year Clarus, who were the owners of Firstlight Network, agreed to sell their part of the business to Powerco.

With approval from the Overseas Investment Office and other commercial considerations now being met, we can confirm that the transaction took place today, Friday 31 July.

What does it mean for Firstlight Network customers and communities?
It’s business as usual for the electricity lines company that serves the people of Tairāwhiti and Wairoa, who will continue to be looked after by the team at Firstlight Network, supported by the wider Powerco team.

Learn more in the link👇🏼:

Business as usual for Firstlight Network under new ownership North Island energy distributor, Powerco, is the new owner of Firstlight Network, the company that supplies electricity to Tairāwhiti and Wairoa. The transaction took place on 31 July 2026. Like with any change, we understand you may be uncertain and have questions. For that reason, w...

⚠️ Outage Update
⏰Friday, 10 July 7:20pm

Due to the weather, we have unplanned outages and power will be off overnight in these areas - Kanakanaia Rd, Waingake Rd, Tarewa Rd, Paparatu Rd, Bushy Knoll Rd, Waimata Valley Rd,, start of Cricklewood Rd and Patunamu. We hope to have power restored in Te Reinga tonight.

The Raupunga, Mohaka, Kotomoari, Waihua areas have had significant damage from trees through lines in multiple locations that require replacement poles to be flown in to undertake repairs. Access to these areas is extremely difficult due the weather and poor conditions. Some of these areas maybe without power for up to 48 hours.

📞For updates, please visit https://firstlightnetwork.co.nz/tell-me-about/outagescontact or you can contact our faults line on 0800 206 207. See less

⚠️ Outage Update
⏰Friday, 10 July 6:30pm

Due to the weather, we have unplanned outages and power will be off overnight in these areas - Kanakanaia Rd, Waingake Rd, Tarewa Rd, Paparatu Rd, Bushy Knoll Rd, Waimata Valley Rd,, start of Cricklewood Rd and Patunamu. We hope to have power restored in Te Reinga tonight.

The Raupunga, Mohaka, Kotomoari, Waihua areas have had significant damage from trees through lines in multiple locations that require replacement poles to be flown in to undertake repairs. Access to these areas is extremely difficult due the weather and poor conditions. Some of these areas maybe without power for up to 48 hours.

📞For updates, please visit https://firstlightnetwork.co.nz/tell-me-about/outagescontact or you can contact our faults line on 0800 206 207. See less

⚠️ Outage Update
⏰Friday, 10 July 8:50am

Due to the weather, we have unplanned outages affecting the following areas in Kanakanaia Rd, Waingake Rd, Paparatu Rd, Bushy Knoll Rd, Ohuka, Te Reinga, Cricklewood, Ruapapa & Rototahi.

We currently have our crews working on outages in Matokitoki Valley Rd and Panikau Rd, Wharekiri Rd, Waimata Valley Rd.

We will also be sending crews to the Raupunga/Kotemaori/Waihua area, however the response has been delayed due to floodwater/access.

📞For updates, please visit https://firstlightnetwork.co.nz/tell-me-about/outagescontact or you can contact our faults line on 0800 206 207.

🌧️ Weather Update – Stay Prepared 🫶

Mōrena whānau!
Well, that was a night! Between the teeming rain, howling wind and raging surf I am not sure anyone slept like a baby! Please remember – our YELLOW HEAVY RAIN WATCH is in place until 10am this morning. We have had a lot of rain! The rivers are pumping. Stay home if you can – if you have to be out on the roads, drive to the conditions. Contractors have been out and about checking the region, so please be patient and respectful of any instructions. Our team has been monitoring waterways and conditions through the night and we will continue to keep you up to date with the latest information as it comes in.
For the latest in roading 👇
State Highways - https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/journey-planner
Local roads - https://www.gdc.govt.nz/services/roads/road-information
Stay safe out there whānau!

We're excited to once again sponsor the awesome Ngāti Porou East Coast RU (NPEC) Rugby Union and the Hamoterangi senior wahine team for the 2026 season! 🏉💙

As part of the East Coast whānau, Firstlight Network is thrilled to support this iconic team and the communities they represent. Here’s to another season of mana, hard mahi, and thrilling rugby. Let's go NPEC!