Power was cut to much of the Tararua District from 5.51pm on Wednesday after winds damaged two power poles. It was not restored to some properties until just after noon yesterday.
The damaged power poles cut electricity to homes in places such as rural Haunui, Mara, Rakaunui, Rimu Rd, Tiraumea, Waihoki, and Waitawhiti.
Powerco network operations manager Phil Marsh said as of yesterday afternoon power had been "restored to all but 29 properties".
South Wairarapa mayor Adrienne Staples could not go to work at her Martinborough office because of a 15m 100-year-old willow tree crashing down, blocking her Western Lake Rd driveway and taking a fence out with it.
Mrs Staples said it was "one of the worst days I've seen since I've lived here".
She was still clearing debris when the Times-Age phoned her at mid-afternoon yesterday. A Harrison St West shed roof in Featherston continually needed attention from firefighters throughout the night as winds lifted it upward.
Featherston Fire Chief Colin McKenna said powerlines and fences had also been blown down.
"The heaviest winds we have seen in Featherston in a long time," Mr McKenna said.
MetService said Castlepoint recorded the most powerful wind gust of 150km/h.
Winds continued to gust upwards of 110km/h overnight with a few registering 130km/h on the Rimutaka Hill Rd.
The strongest gust recorded in Masterton was significantly less at 85km/h at 8pm.
The MetService said all wind warnings for the Wairarapa district have now been lifted.
