Boo hoo bamboo
Top Energy says a recent fire in a bamboo shelter belt is a clear demonstration of what can happen when vegetation gets into our lines and it's urging people not to plant bamboo near power lines. Bamboo can carry electrical current and are clearly hazardous to people and property and is a particular concern for Top Energy. It is grown widely in Northland as shelter belts.
"Tree owners are responsible for ensuring their trees do not interfere with the power lines. They carry full legal and cost liability for any safety incident or damage they cause," CEO Russell Shaw said."People who don't manage their trees in proximity to our power lines, create widespread outages and long delays in power restoration, for which they potentially carry liability."
Elderly driver crashes
A 79-year-old driver who crashed her car in Northland was helped by a farmer before emergency services arrived. The accident happened just on Te Ahu Ahu in Ohaeawai before 9am yesterday. The vehicle came off the road and into a ditch. An ambulance was called as a precaution due to the elderly driver's age.
