Fault crews are ready to respond once it's safe to do so, following gale force winds from Cyclone Gabrielle that led to widespread power outages overnight on Powerco's electricity network.

There were multiple power outages in the Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki regions from about 5.30pm Sunday as Gabrielle made landfall, Powerco Head of Network Operations Caz Haydon says.

There are currently more than 7,000 customers without power in Hauraki-Coromandel.

Gale force winds can cause trees and other debris to down power lines, with heavy rain having the potential to destabilise power poles in areas already sodden from recent storm events.

'We do our very best to prepare for extreme weather events and respond quickly by having extra crews on the ground ready to make repairs and restore power to our customers.

'We understand it's hard to be without power. The safety of our crews is paramount, however, and climbing ladders to fix equipment at the top of power poles is just too dangerous in the conditions that have been hitting Hauraki-Coromandel. Depending on road conditions there may also be delays in crews reaching fault sites to start work

'It will take time for power to be restored. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work as quickly and safely as possible to get you reconnected," says Caz.

She urges people to stay well away from downed power lines.

'It's incredibly important that if you come across downed power lines that you treat them as live at all times. Stay well clear and contact our 24/7 emergency line on 0800 27 27 27 or call 111.”

High winds are predicted for all Powerco's electricity network in the next day or two.

Customers wanting information about power cuts can go to Powerco's power outage webpage www.powerco.co.nz/outages or can contact their electricity retailer.

Powerco is New Zealand's second largest electricity utility and gas distribution utility with around 1.1m customers (across 446,000 connections) connected to its networks. Powerco's electricity networks are in Western Bay of Plenty, Thames, Coromandel, Eastern and Southern Waikato, Taranaki, Whanganui, Rangitikei, Manawatū and the Wairarapa. Its gas pipeline networks are in Taranaki, Hutt Valley, Porirua, Wellington, Horowhenua, Manawatū and Hawke's Bay.