Destructive storm rips roofs and causes power outages across New Zealand’s North Island

A severe storm struck the Newlands suburb of Wellington at around 02:00 local time (LT) on June 5, completely removing the roof of a duplex on Sunhaven Drive.

The roof was blown two streets away, landing on another house that remained undamaged. Debris, including insulation and roofing materials, was scattered across the street, with some pieces still embedded in the damaged home. Firefighters attempted to secure the remaining section of the roof with wire, but strong winds hindered their efforts.

The Wellington Region Emergency Management Office assisted the duplex’s occupants in securing temporary accommodation.

One resident arranged alternative housing independently, while the others awaited further arrangements. A council building inspector assessed the home and declared it uninhabitable. A neighbor reported hearing loud bangs during the incident.

In Wainuiomata, 15 km (9.3 miles) away, the storm lifted the roof of Konini Primary School’s library during the night of June 5. Large steel sheets and timber beams were twisted and left suspended above the building, posing a safety hazard.

The school was closed for the day, with parents advised to keep children at home, as fire services were unable to secure the roof due to continuing winds. By the end of the day, repair teams had waterproofed the structure, enabling the school to reopen on June 6, although the library remained unusable.

The storm caused widespread power outages across the lower North Island, with PowerCo reporting 772 properties without electricity at 07:22 LT on June 5.

In the Manawatū-Whanganui region, nearly 500 homes in Paparangi, Brunswick, Okoia, and Whanganui lost power. By 08:44 LT, more than 1 000 properties were affected, including 571 in Tīnui Valley, east of Masterton. PowerCo restored electricity to many areas, but around 200 homes near Whanganui remained without service.

Heavy rainfall accompanied the storm, with 22 mm (0.87 inches) recorded in Kerikeri, 16 mm (0.63 inches) in Auckland, and similar amounts in Whangārei between 18:00 LT on June 4 and 06:00 LT on June 5.

The Tauranga-Tāupo River reached its highest level since 1978, prompting the evacuation of several families on June 5. Authorities later confirmed the river had peaked, reducing the risk of flooding. Parts of State Highway 1 were affected by floodwaters, causing travel disruptions.

MetService reported a “train” of thunderstorms moving down the North Island, driven by a warm, moisture-laden system colliding with colder air.

Strong wind warnings were issued for the Tararua District, Taihape, Wairarapa, and Wellington, with gusts potentially reaching 130 km/h (81 mph) in exposed areas.

An Orange Heavy Snow Warning was issued for Central Otago and Canterbury starting June 6. Snowfall reached sea level in Christchurch, resulting in road closures across the South Island.