Water runs cold as storm damages power lines

The weekend's wild weather has left some west Auckland homes without hot water for up to three days.

New Lynn resident Anna Curnow, who has not had hot water since Sunday, rang her power provider twice on Monday and was reassured that the problem would be rectified.

It wasn't, and she called again yesterday, but could not get through.

"They're not even answering their phones anymore."

Another resident was told by her power provider's call centre staff that they had had calls from people in New Lynn, Green Bay, Titirangi, Te Atatu, Henderson and Glen Eden.

"Out of desperation I boiled countless pots of water this morning to have a bath.

"My dad has been having showers at his work while my other guest had to go to friends."

Network company Vector said the weekend's high winds caused conductors to clash, blowing out fuses.

A spokeswoman said hot water heating had been restored to most areas, except for a "small number" of customers in Glen Eden, whose plight was being rectified last night.

It would take up to five hours more for cylinders to heat the water, once connection was restored.

She said anyone still without hot water should contact their retailer again.