From:
http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/default.asp?id=33068

Snow brings power outages

Up to 10,000 homes without power overnight as snow causes damage to lines-
roads closed and treacherous

5 July 2003

Up to 10,000 homes in the lower North Island will be blacked out tonight.

Heavy snow has been falling all day, and lines company Powerco says at least
one significant feeder line has given way.

Numerous other parts of its network have also failed, leaving outages from
Taihape to the Wairarapa.

Powerco's General Manager for network management, Peter Hale, says repair
crews have been working on the damage all afternoon, but they are now being
stood down as dark has closed in and made working conditions impossible.

The weather has forced the closure of around a dozen roads and made others
treacherous.

In the South Island, both Arthur's and Porter's Pass are closed, as are SH
87 Outram to Kyeburn and SH 90 between Raes Junction and McNabb.

Most roads across coastal and central Otago, Southland and much of
Canterbury are copping widespread snow and sheet ice and chains are
essential.

To the north, the Desert Road is closed along with SH 1 from Waiouru to
Taihape and Hunterville.

SH 49 between Waiouru and Ohakune is shut, as are SH 2 from Woodville to
Pakipaki, SH50 from Fernhill, and the Rimutaka Hill Road.

All other roads in the area are considered treacherous.