Live power lines fall across road

Power is out in rural Tauranga after live power lines came down as a result of high winds this morning.

A grass verge on Stewart Rd, Whakamaramara, caught alight when the live power lines came down.

Omokoroa Volunteer Fire Brigade were called to the incident just after 8am this morning.

Fire Communications shift manager Mike Wanoa said it appeared high winds brought the power lines down, which fell across the road.

"We responded to the call to make sure there was no fire there,'' he said.

"There was a small grass fire but then they waited for the power people to come and deal with it.''

The firefighters were at the scene for just over an hour.

Powerco have reported power is out in Apata, Aongatete and Whakamaramara.

On the company's website, it said power was expected to be restored about 11.30am