Readers' Views: Auckland blackout

This Readers' Views page is now closed. Thank you to everyone who participated.


I just want to commend those drivers who displayed excellent behaviour on the roads especially at major intersections un-patrolled and without lights where a nod or a wave allowed you to go on your way. I especially want to mention the young police officer directing traffic on to the Motorway from Gt South Road in Penrose with near-on zero visability, driving torrential rain and high winds. He deserves a medal.
- Owen

I can understand why people living outside Auckland think we're all hysterical - can't get coffee, can't watch TV, sitting on the train for 3 hours... What they don't seem to understand is that these are the comments of the everyday employee - they aren't the business owners, they aren't the managers responsible for the bottom line. To them, power outtages equal frustration and annoyance. Put yourself in the shoes of the business owner or manager and a very different picture emerges. Business people are acutely aware of how much today's little incident has actually cost the Auckland economy. Farmers bemoan the weather; they lose stock which equals their livelihood....Aucklanders bemoan the lack of power...they lose customers, can't fulfil orders and have to send employees home...this in many instances will cost far more than a few sheep dare I say. Farmers will receive insurance. Most Auckland business people will not.
- Outdoor

All Monday exams have been postponed due to the power outage. Actually I didn't finish to revise the paper. So when I realised there was no exam today, I was happy. I have more time to study.
- Lena

Am sorry if powercuts affected those people in hospital or emergency health situations, but otherwise to the others "North of the Bombay" [from one who has experienced no power for 3-4 days,no way of getting in and off the property,to go to work or replenish supplies - no phone, and to use a cell phone meant sitting with the car motor running to contact anyone, one year ago],I say welcome to the real world,and get over it and move on. Even today, fences blown down, and trees uprooted not to mention powercuts!! Do sympathise with those caught in lifts, but 4-and-a-half hours without power makes us down in the Matata area just shake our heads as to all the fuss. Everyone in the North Island was affected today by power cuts, with windows being blown out/roofs blown off in the Whakatane township and causing retailers to close. Haven't seen any moaning or coverage of that in any papers or on TV.
- Shirley Willis

Yes, I had to walk five floors up to get to my room (as the lifts weren't working in our building) and then back down again as I realised that I had forgotten my wallet at the shop where I purchased milk while coming back home. I walked up five floors again; but the good thing is that I won't be going to the gym today!
- Rama Chitdoor

Had the best day ever. We have mobile coffee vans using gas and batteries for power. We couldn't keep up with demand. More power cuts please!
- Jeff Napier

Today's blackout really shows how Aucklanders react to disaster. Congratulations to the emergency services for their efforts to get the city in order, otherwise there would have been a lot of people stuck in traffic or lifts. What I can't understand is how a single cable caused a power outage to the whole (most of the) city? Well, hopefully this event could become a practice for all of us Aucklanders just in case something worse happens in the future, then we will all know what to do.
- Arnold Setyadi

Got to work, power on the Shore but not here in Ponsonby. So I lit six candles in my dark office and got on with that dreaded job - filing - which I put off all the time because the computer calls. So did all the others! We have never been so up to date with out filing before - it's an ill wind. Celebrated a collegaue's birthday with cold pizza which everyone enjoyed. Long leisurely (cold) lunch and then power's back! Added variety to life. Bit of a worry no phones though!
- Pat

It is no wonder the rest of NZ looks on Aucklanders with a sense of bewilderment and distain, your electricity goes out for one day and listen to the whinging and moaning. Not enough Police, where was Civil Defence, scary roadworkers directing traffic. It was a power outage for goodness sake! Think about the storm event of February 2004 where people in the lower North Island went without power and water for days and weeks, they just sucked it up and worked together as a real community would do, stop throwing tanties.
- Wiremu

We moved out to the country (Clevedon) 18 months ago. I love the way that the really bad weather gets all the neighbours out helping each other. This morning we made crunchy lemons muffins on the BBQ - slightly burnt on the bottoms but otherwise a lovely way to spend the power outtage.
- Claire

Power was out on Manukau and Pah Roads as I travelled South from Newmarket just after 3pm this afternoon. At the intersection of Manukau Road, Broadway and Greatt South Road six men from Fulton Hogan were directing traffic. Two police were handling things at Maukau Rd and Green Lane Road. But no one was in charge at Pah Rd and Mt Albert Rd.
- Neil

It was horrible - absolute mayhem. There were no cafes that could serve a decent coffee. AND further more, no TV, so the kids were driving me mad. The cost of the power failure can not just be counted in dollar terms.
- Rebecca Starr

I would just like to say well done to the police, TCS (Traffic Control Systems) and various other council/govt services out there helping assist with the horrific traffic conditions experienced today. Listening to the local police via scanner, you could tell they were all being stretched to their limits but everyone kept their cool and did what they could to keep things moving smoothly. Many had been on points duty directing traffic for 2-3hrs+ without a break but kept on going. You didnt hear them complaining... but going by the letters to the editor here, many drivers complained, you were in the nice warm comfort of your car, how about instead of complaning, you give thanks to those who kept you out of trouble throughout the day.
- Gavin

Well, I've just read all the previous comments and I'm well pleased that there seem to be some people out there with a sense of humour. I "survived" the Power Crisis of the late 90's and to be honest, this is nothing in comparison. After catching the 7.40am train from Manurewa, it was great to sit in the relative comfort of the train this morning (maybe a little more communication would have been appreciated). Great company, interesting people to look at and for some a little respite from the hectic chaos of a normal Monday morning. Arriving into the very dark tunnels of Britomart at about 10.20 am (yes it was a long trip in!!) and struggling up the escalators (they are a little higher to step up than normal stairs aren't they!!), it was great to see that the traffic make polite way for the pedestrians crossing Customs Street to get to Queen Street. It would have been nice to see a pointsman on duty but I have no doubt that the Police were very busy elsewhere! All in all it has made for some exciting news for the day, a bit of laughter and it has highlighted that there are lots of caring friends and family out there ringing up "just to check you are okay!" Well done Auckland - let's just hope we don't have it happen too often!!
- Lynda

I caught my city-bound train at Glen Innes this morning. The train did not arrive until 8:30, and then had to stop at Hobson bay area for 3 hours due to the outage. I don't know what time the outage started, but if we were told before we boarded the train, I am sure many of us would have a much more pleasant morning. The whole thing seems very disorganised, with no proper disaster recovery plan. If there is one, its not properly executed.
- Will

Brett, I sympathise with your plight, but surely you know better than to expect the Government to assist? After the recent tsunami warning debacle, this power outage, the tsunamis in S.E. Asia, the flooding of New Orleans, etc. etc. it should be obvious that in any sort of real disaster, anywhere in the world, you'll be on your own for at least a few weeks - regardless of what some dozy MP says :-) Plan for that eventuality, & you'll be fine.
- Duncan Bayne

What I have learnt from today is that if a disaster hits this city we are all goners. Where was Civil Defense? Why oh why could a message not be sent out to all cellphones in Auckland reception area with an offical notification of what had happened. I had to send home over 60 staff on full pay today - who is going to cover this cost for me and the many other small businesses that keep Auckland in employment. Over it!
- Brett

I agree with what "anon" said re: police presence, admittedly they must have been stretched as far as resources are concerned, but to not have officers on point duty 30mins after the power outage in rush-hour traffic is alarming. Upon trying to get through one of the city's busiest intersections walking to work at 9.10am going from Newton Road through Symonds St into Kyber Pass I waited for almost 10 mins to cross before eventually just having to leg it across multiple lanes of insane drivers and having a near miss with a bus who decided to move forward with me and 4 other pedestrians right in front of him! Surely traffic control is some sort of a priority in this unusual circumstance we all found ourselves in this morning but judging by policy presence one would be forgiven that priority's are seriously out of line.
- DjJase

I arrived at the City Campus around 7.15am, excited about the propect of siting my 1st exam this semester. Studying at the Information Commons at Auckland University, it blackens around 8.30am. The students expected it to be a random short circuit but it was soon apparent that Auckland was under darkness all round. As a result, exams were cancelled despite our suggestions of using our mobile phone lights to illuminate the exam scripts. Needless to say, the enthusiasm turns to anger, perplexity and much confusion. The last we have heard is that the exams will have to be re-scheduled till the end of June and that would raise the level of anger further with plans that students have made already. Fortunately, Aucklanders show that they are civilised citizens in the fine manners shown on the roads.
- David Kwan

While making my way to Mt Eden from Meadowbank just as the outage hit, I was very pleasantly surprised at how courteous and careful drivers were. Maybe the lights should go out more often!!!
- Beth Russ

We have been instructed by Civil Defence to have battery operated radios in case of a civil energency. So I have. But during today's power outage there was no official announcements from anyone - Transpower, Auckland City Council, Police, Government - no-one. Radio news was muddled, sparse, and contradictory and just added to the confusion. Can ALL those who are responsible get their act together for next time please? It's not that hard is it?
- Roz

I was out at Manukau court today and being no power the people running it had no idea what to do if they could open up court rooms as the computers were not going or if they should close it. Should the courts not have a back up generator? If a disaster struck we would still need courts
- Stephen

Thank you to the citizen that decided to take the intiative and direct the traffic at the intersection of Richmond Road and Surrey Crescent (in Grey Lynn) this morning. While in his work attire (without the jacket)!! It was chaotic driving in and out of town. How would Auckland function without power for a couple of days I wonder?
- Barbara

My partner has been stuck in our complex since the power outage began this morning... no-one can figure out how to get the remote controlled gate to open to get cars in or out, nor the smaller pedestrian side gate... how inconvenienced we are when "modern technology" lets us down!
- Suzanne

It was astounding to witness the chaos caused by even this brief power outage. People were stuck without food, water or money. Drivers seemed to forget road rules and either dithered at, or charged through, intersections. Businesses closed, public transport ceased working...
Hopefully this'll be a wake up call to Aucklanders: BE PREPARED. How would you have faired if the power didn't come back on for a week?
- Duncan Bayne

Mercury's deficient contingency planning and lack of cable maintenance brought the city to it's knees back in '98. I wonder after today's outage whether anyone has really learnt anything from that experience?
- Ian

Unfortunately i missed my 7:52 train this morning from Panmure and had to catch the next one - 8:05. Oops I mean the 8:19 because the 8:05 never came. Some excuse of some one being late. Next thing we know we are stopped in the middle of Hobson Bay on the causeway. Two hours later we eventually get our turn to come in to Britomart. An erie darkness engulfs the place as we exit onto the platform. A usually bustling city transport center is almost dead. i guess it is a bit of a problem when you have to change all the switches manually for the trains. We then have to run the gauntlet that is Queen St. This can be bad enough with traffic lights and designated crossing phases for pedestrians, however we had to make a judgement call, close our eyes and run as fast as we could to get across Quay St. Question to Auckland City: If the power went down at around 8:30, why then is there no control happening in this countries largest city to protect and organise its citizens?
- Karl Barker, Panmure

The things I have seen in Auckland blackout:
1. Cannot top-up my mobile (they said the e-docket is not working)
2. Cannot go attend exam and study (library and all uni buildings were closed)
3. Cannot go to the pharmacy for a prescripton (they written the details by hand !)
4. Cannot buy lunch (they said the pie is not hot)
5. Thanks for volunteer who controlling traffic at Whitcoulls corner
6. But I can catch the bus for free :) (yeah right , the driver said the ticket machine not working)
The quote of today: "Sorry , please come back later. We will be back shortly"
- Alan Koon

Trip over from Waiheke to Auckland 6.40 am was great but trip back to island on 12 noon ferry (first one out since 8am) was no trouble. Great to be back on island and away from mayheim in town. Traffic from Newmarket to downtown car park via motorway was fantastic - people gave way to other traffic and allowed traffic to flow smoothly when I left Newmarket at 10am. Also the few staff directing traffic (not all police) made sure things flowed smoothly. Congratulations to all who made things flow smooothly. Power didn't go off at my place on island although did on majority of island.
- Gaye

Hows this for a plan. We were high up in the ASB Bank Centre, not a problem, building has a generator, turns out with limited life span, so to do the bateries that provide lighting for the emergency exit stairwells! Evacuation call came about 5-10 minutes after all the emergency lights went out, torches will be provided on the stairwells, nope we had to find our way down 20+ floors with the dim lights of our mobile phones!
- James

I was scheduled for a gastronomy exam at 11.15. I woke up just after 8.30 to find the power and water was cut off. I live in a high rise apartment building so there were 10 flights of stairs to walk up and down. We didn't have any cellphone signal either, so there was no way I could find out if my exam was still on. I had no choice but to make the journey by foot from upper Symonds St to AUT in the stormy whether and my umbrella got destroyed on the way! I got to uni and was totally gutted as the whole thing was shut down, and so I once again walked back to my apartment and back up the 10 flights of stairs!!
- Angela

I would like to congratulate Telecom on the fact that despite power outages throughout Auckland, with people making a huge volume of emergency phone calls, both the Landline and Mobile networks were working normally - this is not an accident - Telecom planned for this situation and it worked.
- Trevor

It was freaky coming to work in the CBD area especially with the usually chaotic roadside transit workers being the cordoned lights operators. At the best of times these guys are normally smoking or chatting and laughing and leaning on spades, so it didn't give me any confidence with them in control of the lights.
- Bert Badger

I was scheduled to sit an exam at medschool this morning, but because of the power outage we had to wait about an hour to hear from the examinations office about whether our exams would go ahead. Finally they told us to go home, but we haven't heard yet when our exam has been rescheduled for. It took me and some friends around an hour and a half waiting for a bus on Symonds st, eventually a friend drove us all home.
- Karina

Got in the car at 9:15 am and radio announced power had been restored to the city...so my wife dropped me off to the bus stop and off I went expecting a normal working day. Got to work in CBD and found whole area still out. All staff were immediately sent home for "health and safety reasons". But could I get a bus?. No!. 6 busses passed me at the Albert street stop full to the brim over a 30 mintue period. I eventually caught a Taxi (at cost of $67.40) to get home to good old Browns Bay where I am now happily watching replays of the overnight games from the soccer world cup. Thanks to the radio I wasted 3 hours of soccer watching!
- Mat Edwards

I work in the Auckland CBD, we are all on phones that are run through our computers. Power goes out and we are sat here in the dark and all our calls are lost. Then "Waa Laa" power is back on and everything is hunky dory! Thank Goodness for backup power generators! I would rather be at home in front of the fire! But I guess someone has to answer the phones!
- Leticia

In regards to the Ms Martin's comments - I do think that was a cheap shot at the police and councils. Firstly they are unable to forecast the weather, and don't have control over what nature throws at us. I think one should be happy that they have loved ones all tucked inside their nice warm homes or offices (God knows I sure am). Yes the weather today is miserable and yes its misery is rubbing off on people, but come on be cheerful that you are safe and sound. In the case of a natural disaster happening I don't think one would be worried about councils closing libraries.
- Tyrese

Where is the police presence? At 9.30am, when I walked along Queen St, there were no traffic police, not a car or uniform in sight. The main intersections were seriously chaotic and pedestrians and cars in danger from buses thinking that they don't have to follow the road rules. At 11am, when I was on the way home after the university closed for the day, there was one police officer at the Civic intersection, and an ambulance officer - an ambulance officer! - at the Victoria St intersection, though he was doing a marvelous job.
-Anon

I had tried to exit Te Atatu peninsula but found it gridlocked. About 1/3 of Te Atatu peninsula is without power, including ASB bank. I have now been rung by work and told that the Auckland City Council has decided to close their libraries. Doesn't this highlight how Auckland would not survive in a natural disaster?? All that went down was ONE power line, and we are stuffed! However I must say that the police and councils could do a better job, and should personally issue reports regarding the cities status, as radio reports differ.
- Ms Martin

Most of us would have felt it was a bad day, as all the electronic devices without battery just "on strike"- "we need a day off". So do I, even much more fiercely. My Mac didn't wake me up at 6:30am, instead I natually became consciouse at 11:30am. Then I just wanna say "XXXX", for I have an exam starting 8am, at least I thought so. I hadn't noticed the exam is at 2pm until I just started my car to see whether an exemption would be granted by my lecture. Then, I just felt fantastic as though I got $2,800 (paper tuition fee) from lottery. BTW, NZ is much better than China. If this happened there, the traffic would just be a "hot soup".
- Leevl

Q. What to do you do while you wait for the power to come back on?
A. Review your company's disaster recovery/backup procedures.
- Jason Glover

A 20 minute train journey from Ellerslie to Auckland was nearly 2 hours! Sometimes I wonder about Cullen and his roads, roads, roads budget. First of all help rail have a separate power supply.
- Jon Reeves

You call 0508VECTOR and the recorded message tells you that the only outages are in Papakura and Whitford area, not the CBD etc, for 9am. It's now 10.30am and still no change in the message. Of course any attempts to get through to them are unsuccessful. In times like that, they really need to learn that communication is the key to happy customers, and what other way than publishing such embarassing story on Herald?
- Anonymous

I am in CBD of Auckland, out the window, snow is falling. We thought it was hail but it is softly falling!
- Andrew

At around 10.45am there was snow falling in Grafton!
- Tiffany Allen

EDITOR'S NOTE: The temperature at ground level in Auckland was 16C at 10.30am.

As far as I know, most exams across Auckland University have been cancelled and postponed until further notice due to the power outage. We were all sent home to study.
- Marwan Juma