Auckland City Police have mobilised the district emergency management plan as a result of the power outage that is affecting the city.
Members of the public are encouraged to avoid all but essential travel as more than 300 sets of traffic lights in and around the city are not operating.
Acting Auckland City Police District commander Detective Superintendent Gavin Jones says Police have a responsibility to maintain street safety, public safety and to attend to all calls to attend priority one jobs.
"We don't know for sure when the power will be restored but we're liaising closely with Transpower and our other emergency service providers.
"We have to plan from the perspective that power will be restored later rather than sooner, so are encouraging people to make their ways home over the course of the day so as to avoid unnecessary congestion at our normal peak hour traffic times."
All but two of the City District's Police stations have been closed due to the power outage, however Auckland Central and Avondale stations remain open to the public.
ENDS
Issued by Noreen Hegarty
Auckland City Police Communications Manager
Ph 09 302 6947 or 0274-951-589
Website: www.police.govt.nz