A storm moving across the North Island has hit a unique piece of public art.
The Len Lye-designed Wind Wand in New Plymouth was struck by lightning shortly after 6pm, knocking out the light at the wand's tip.
The 48m-tall fibreglass sculpture was built after Lye's death and has become one of the most recognisable symbols of the city's waterfront.
Footage of the lightning strike was posted on Facebook by Taranaki internet provider PrimoWireless. The company also posted video of lightning hitting the Port Taranaki chimney.
Tonight's storm has cut power to more than a hundred homes in Manaia and Opunake, and Powerco said many would not have supply restored until tomorrow morning.
Emergency services in the Taranaki region have had a number of calls reporting flooding from heavy driving rain.
MetService issued a severe thunderstorm watch for parts of the North Island this evening.
The watch covered Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato, Waitomo, Taumarunui, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua and Taranaki.
