© Martin SahlinStorm damage on the Auckland waterfront yesterday.
Severe weather battered many parts of New Zealand on Friday, closing roads and causing power outages for thousands of customers.
People are being warned to stay away from downed power lines, while roads in both islands have been shut due to heavy snow and debris falling on roads.
At least 14,000 customers are without electricity in the greater Auckland region on Friday night which has been battered by heavy rain and winds gusting over 100km/h in some places.
Electricity lines company Vector says crews are trying to restore power to pockets of affected residents in the Auckland region and parts of Waiheke Island.
A spokesperson says branches coming down from trees onto powerlines, as well as a large lightening strike, has caused the outages.
Emergency services have been inundated with weather related callouts, dealing with downed trees, powerlines and roofs blowing off houses.
The Coastguard says hurricane-force winds of more than 140km/h have been recorded at the Manukau Heads as the storm lashes the region.