Wild weather hits countryLast updated 21:13 29/04/201
A mini tornado has taken out powerlines near Hokitika on the South Island's West Coast.
A fire service spokesman said a caller told them powerlines on Old Christchurch Rd had been taken down "by a mini tornado", about 8.40pm.
The lines had struck a tree, pulling it across the road.
One appliance was at the scene.
MetService earlier issued a severe weather warning for Wellington, Southern Wairarapa and Marlborough.
In exposed places gusts were expected to hit 130kmh.
Strong winds in Wellington appear to have blown over a lamp post on State Highway 1 near Johnsonville.
The lamp post blocked a northbound lane at the top of Ngauranga Gorge about 8pm, Acting Inspector Bruce Mackay said.
A car had hit the fallen pole, but the crash was minor.
Electricity contractors were called. It wasn't known whether the pole would be cleared tonight.
The blocked lane had caused minor delays to traffic.
Copied from Stuff