Much of the Ahipara area lost its power supply when a light truck crashed into a wooden power pole on the Kaitaia Awaroa Road, west of Pukepoto School, yesterday.
The driver, and only occupant, emerged unscathed about 8am. A police spokesman said the outcome would likely have been much worse had he been carrying a passenger.
According to police, the driver had drifted left a little as he checked his rear vision mirror, then over-corrected and lost control.
There was no indication at that stage of either speed or alcohol being a factor.
The impact snapped the pole, the top half of which came to rest on the truck's tray, dragging the lines down with it.
