Extra crews have been brought in to restore power to more than 15,700 homes in hard-hit Taranaki in Gita's wake.
Gale-force winds gusting above 130km/h knocked out power for more than 20,000 homes in the region last night, when local officials declared a state of emergency.
Powerco network operations manager Phil Marsh said Taranaki and Whanganui were hardest hit and extra crews have been brought in to repair the network.
"We have suffered considerable damage with downed lines a major problem in coastal Taranaki," he said.