Power was cut to about 5000 properties in Tauranga this afternoon when a tree being cut landed across high voltage power lines.
The power cut happened at 3.45pm, affecting customers in Gate Pa, Greerton, Parkvale, Bethlehem and Judea.
Supply has been restored to 4000 customers and the remaining 1000 properties were expected to have power back by about 6pm.
Powerco acting network operations manager Phil Marsh said the person cutting the tree had put themselves in danger by working close to overhead lines.
"Trimming trees or vegetation near power lines can kill. They're extremely lucky not to have been seriously injured."