Weather victims get free motels

Cantabrians struggling in freezing conditions after 11 days without power are snapping up offers of free motels as electricity companies warn it may take longer than expected to restore power.

Yesterday more than 40 people had taken up the Timaru District Council's offer to pay the motel bill as fresh snowfalls on top of last week's paralysing snowstorm put further strain on weary residents.

Roads around the South Island were closed yesterday as the latest cold snap passed through, bringing snow to Christchurch city. However, the impact of the storm was not as great as feared.

About 1150 households are still without power in Canterbury, and it may now be next week before many get electricity back.

Timaru Mayor Janie Annear yesterday made the public offer of free accommodation for all suffering families.

"They must be just getting to the end of their tether. We just felt that this was the time now when people might need to have a bit of a break.

"We have also had businesses who have now rallied around and we have got free meals available, chocolates and free movie passes. It's been fantastic."

Greg Skelton, chief executive of South Canterbury's Alpine Energy, said the weather had slowed progress in repairing downed lines.

He had been too optimistic in forecasting power would be fully returned to South Canterbury homes by Sunday, he said.

"We think now it will be a couple of days into next week."

Farmer David Williams and his family, who are without power, could not take up the Timaru council accommodation offer because they live in the neighbouring Mackenzie district.

Mr Williams was not expecting electricity to be back on at his home until next week.

"We are taking it as it comes. I suppose it is a struggle, but we just struggle on.

"The sun is shining here today, so maybe we will get a reprieve. I don't know whether all this makes you more resilient or just stupid."

Ms Annear said many families were expected to go straight into their free motel rooms last night.

"A lot will be farmers who have had to work so hard on their farms, so they will probably come in tonight, maybe have the weekend here, or maybe they will stay the night and go home during the day to look after the stock.

"A lot of these people have been contacted and we have offered them all this help, but they still just like to be self-sufficient and not cause any problems."

Ashburton Mayor Bede O'Malley said hot meals and showers were being offered at five centres in the Mid Canterbury area to cater for those without power.