Line mechanics to help in Tonga

Electricity lines companies Northpower and Vector have answered a call to help with power restoration in Tonga.

The companies have responded quickly to a New Zealand Government request to send line mechanics to the cyclone battered country which has suffered major damage to its electricity network following Cyclone Ian.

The request for assistance has come from The New Zealand Aid Programme, the New Zealand Government's international aid and development programme managed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

It is believed Cyclone Ian has destroyed 90 percent of the electricity network on the Ha’apai group of islands in Tonga.

Six line mechanics will fly to Tonga on Monday says Northpower chief executive Mark Gatland.

“Northpower and Vector have helped out in the Pacific Islands previously after cyclone events and we are more than happy to provide staff to help Tonga get back on its feet,” says Mr Gatland.

“We have a long-term relationship with Tonga and have a large Tongan contingent amongst our staff and they are extremely valuable to our company so it is only right that we help out.”

The Northpower workers will be in Tonga for up to six weeks.