Thousands of properties are without power throughout Manawatu and Whanganui, as people were evacuated and schools closed for the day. Some have been restored but authorities are warning more wild weather could cause new issues. The power outages are also likely to affect cell towers across the regions, as well as water treatment plants so people in some areas are also being asked to conserve water. Manawatu-Whanganui group controller and Horizons Regional Council chief executive Michael McCartney spoke to Lisa Owen.