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Lines company Vector is asking people without hot water on Auckland's North Shore not to call them, because it is jamming their call centre lines.
It says its priority today is to restore power to those without any electricity at all.
Spokesman Keith Fitzpatrick says they are trying to get the main network up and running, but crew are also working on hot water faults.
He is warning some residents may have a long wait to get their power and hot water back on.
Around 1,000 customers are without power in the greater Auckland area.
Meanwhile at least 100 people in the Far North are facing the prospect of being homeless for some time, after their houses were severely damaged by this week's storm.
So far building inspectors have ruled 70 houses are unfit to be lived in until major repairs are carried out.
Far North District Council chief executive Clive Manley says all houses in the district are being inspected.
He says arrangements are being made for those who cannot live in their homes.
Welfare centres are still operational and there are people living in emergency accommodation, but they are being gradually moved to either motels or Housing New Zealand homes while their houses are being repaired.
- NEWSTALK ZB
