High winds and cold temperatures are sweeping across the country, bringing an end to a sunny, dry April, but summer should get at least one last gasp later this week.
In the lower North Island, gales reaching 130km/h downed power lines, felled trees and lifted roofing iron overnight, a Fire Service spokesman said.
Emergency services were called to six weather-related incidents in Island Bay, Kilbirnie, Roseneath and Johnsonville in Wellington, and one in Levin.
In West Coast, wild weather - and possibly a mini tornado - knocked out power and lifted a roof near Hokitika yesterday evening.
Hokitika chief fire officer Harry Collett said a power pole transformer caught fire at Duffers Creek Road, at Awatuna, about 8.30pm.