World Cup power fear after outage at Super 14 game

The power pole thought to be the cause of stadium lights failure. Photo / Michael Craig

New Zealand's ability to host the Rugby World Cup was questioned last night after a power outage plunged North Harbour Stadium into semi-darkness during a Super 14 game.

The Blues and Reds were just four minutes into their match when half of the stadium's power was lost, halting the game and forcing the teams from the field.

Vector last night blamed a tree branch which it said had struck a high-voltage line, knocking out power to more than 750 homes as well as the stadium.

Although power was restored after 35 minutes, Andy and Caroline Wearn left the game early with their "cold, wet, and tired" sons Guy, 6, and Matthew, 10, because the delay would have dragged out the finishing time.

Caroline said the outage was embarrassing for New Zealand.

"We've come home because of it."

Andy said the power cut was particularly troubling with the Rugby World Cup just two years away.

Glenn and Vanessa Mahuika and their son Brandon, 8, also left early after paying around $100 for the tickets.

Glenn said the stadium should have a backup generator. "How is it going to look if this happens again when the whole world is watching?"

Ian Grace, also at the game, said he saw a tour group of about 20 people get up and leave the stadium after the power went off. "I was quite surprised a stadium of that size doesn't have a backup generator."

North Harbour Stadium chief executive Brendan O'Connor said the company would be talking to Vector about future supply. "It doesn't scare me but it is a timely reminder to all of us involved with the Rugby World Cup that there are things out of our control and the need to have good backup."

North Shore Mayor Andrew Williams said he was not surprised to hear of the outage. "There has been so little investment by the utility companies into North Shore's infrastructure that our system is so fragile just one limb on the line can bring down the power."

Vector spokeswoman Philippa White said: "Vector takes security of power seriously."

Things got no better for the home fans after power was restored, with the Blues losing 31-24.

- additional reporting by Anna Rushworth