Severe weather watch and power cuts for the Waikato today
Wild weather lashing the Waikato has cut power to hundreds of homes and made driving conditions treacherous. Most of the country is in for a showery and windy Monday, with a colder spell on the way that may bring snow to the Desert Rd on Tuesday.
- Rain is expected to continue in Hamilton through until Wednesday this week.
- WEL Network put out a statement at 7am on Monday saying several areas were experiencing power outages.
- Power is out to 684 properties north of Huntly in the Kimiha area. In Hillcrest around 55 homes are without power due to an unplanned outage. WEL said high winds and heavy rain posed a threat to field staff who have been advised to make sites safe and return at a later time to complete repairs.
MetService has issued a strong wind watch for the Waikato until 5pm Monday.
- Check on power outages at wel.co.nz
- People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings here.
- Read more and follow updates here
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.1% Yes
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21.3% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
The frustration of seeing a detour sign partway through your journey on the main highways possibly the new way forward when it comes to roadworks.
One of the latest areas to have a section of the road blocked off is State Highway 1 between Putāruru to Tokoroa as part of a massive renewal project that extends down to Waiouru.
Have you come across many roadworks sites recently?
Poll: Do you think this was the right decision?
Hamilton City Council is defending a $60,000 spend on a flood of water management PR featuring a TV personality as residents face huge rates rises.
At a time of council cash constraints, Te Radar - real name Andrew Lumsden - catches the eye on the council’s Facebook page, where he currently features in three “explainer” video clips about Hamilton’s water services.
Do you think this was the right decision? Tell us your reasons in the comments (adding NFP if you don't want your words used in print).
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5.9% Yes
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88.2% No
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5.9% Not sure