Car hits power pole near Maunu Rd, Te Mai Rd intersection in Whangārei

The car, carrying one person, hit the power pole about 2:15pm today. Photo / Karina Cooper

Power to around 70 Woodhill homes will be switched off this afternoon as Northpower replaces a power pole severely damaged after a car ploughed into its base.

A female driver was privately transported to Whangārei Hospital after her car ploughed into the power pole near Maunu Rd and Te Mai Rd intersection around 2.15pm this afternoon.

Northpower spokesperson Rachel Wansbone said the power outage is scheduled for sometime between 4.30pm to 5pm and is expected to last around four hours.

Northpower was contacting all impacted households via email to inform them about the planned outage.

A traffic management system is in place and severe delays are expected.

Whangārei firefighters and police responded to this afternoon's crash. A St Johns ambulance also responded but was not required.

Fire crews attended the scene. Photo / Karina Cooper

Whangārei senior station officer Paul Ballantine said the driver was taken to Whangārei Hospital in a private vehicle after her car left the road and hit the power pole.

The cause of the crash was still being investigated.