Full Breakdown
New Zealand Storm Leaves Thousands Without Power, Halts Flights
6/27/2026, 7:13:20 AM
Storm Impact
A low-pressure system crossed central New Zealand on 26 June, bringing heavy rain and wind gusts up to 120 kph. The storm caused flooding and widespread power failures. By the next day, over 3,000 outages were logged in Wellington, while Wellington Electricity reported 4,000 customers without power. About 200 flights were cancelled at Wellington Airport, grounding domestic services and flights from New Plymouth.
Background
Heavy rain in January 2026 triggered a landslide at a North Island campground that killed six people, highlighting the region’s vulnerability to intense rain, a risk that re-emerged in June.
Timeline
On 26 June 2026 the low-pressure system arrived, prompting MetService weather warnings, strong winds and flight cancellations. The next day, 27 June, power outages rose above 3,000 (Powerco) and 4,000 customers (Wellington Electricity), and emergency alerts warned of debris, flooding and landslide risk.
Agencies
Powerco tracked outages; Wellington Electricity managed restoration. MetService issued forecasts and warnings. Wellington Airport and Air New Zealand handled flight cancellations. Local emergency services responded to flooding and landslides.
Data
Outages: >3,000 reported by Powerco; 4,000 customers without power per Wellington Electricity. Flights cancelled: ~200. Wind: gusts up to 120 kph. Landslides: two confirmed in Lower Hutt. Restoration: nearly 3,000 customers had power back by the evening of 27 June.
Official Statements
MetService said the weather was improving after a “very wet and windy 24 hours.” Wellington Electricity warned full restoration could extend into the following week. Wellington Airport announced most flights were cancelled, with some scheduled services still pending. Air New Zealand stressed flights would resume only when safety could be assured.
Ground Report
Officials in Lower Hutt reported flooded roads and two landslides, prompting emergency service deployments. Residents described loss of electricity and limited mobility.
Conflicts
Powerco’s “more than 3,000 outages” figure differs from Wellington Electricity’s count of 4,000 customers without power, showing a measurement gap. No detailed neighborhood breakdown or precise restoration timeline was provided.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After a very wet and windy 24 hours, the weather is on its way out,” — MetService, national weather forecaster
- “Most flights in and out of Wellington airport have been cancelled today, and most, but not all, scheduled flights this evening have also been cancelled,” — Wellington Airport spokesperson
- “Services will only resume when it is safe to do so,” — Air New Zealand representative
- “It may take a few days, possibly into mid next week to restore power to all customers,” — Wellington Electricity statement
What’s Next
Meteorologists expect winds to ease on 28 June, potentially allowing flights to resume. Wellington Electricity plans phased restoration, aiming for full service by mid next week. Emergency authorities will keep monitoring flood-prone areas and landslide risk.
