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Grid infrastructureCook IslandsEIR-1668

Fire destroys power station on Manihiki island

2025Published 30 Sept 2026Responsible editor: Chief Editor

SignificantThermal / fireProvisional
Estimated damageEstimated by the register's adjusterHow? Know the real figure?
Figure hidden: shown to subscribersMedium confidence
supply cut for about •• daysShown in the record →Full estimate

Companies named in the reporting of this entry (being named is not a finding of fault): Te Aponga Uira

What happened

A fire destroyed the power station in Tauhunu, Manihiki early on a Tuesday morning. The Office of the Prime Minister confirmed that a replacement transformer, generator and associated cabling will be required. There were no injuries or casualties. The nearby solar farm remained intact. The fire was contained by local authorities, preventing further damage to nearby storage facilities. Three portable generators supplied temporary power to the cyclone management centre. Technical assessments led by Te Aponga Uira are underway.

Lessons learned

  1. Pre-positioned portable generators can maintain essential services such as food storage after loss of a power station.
  2. Coordinated multi-agency response supports rapid assessment and restoration planning.
  3. Stocktaking of spare parts across locations aids quicker deployment of replacement equipment.

More lessons on maintenance, inspection and ageing assets, from every incident on the register.

Source

cookislandsnews.com

Published 2026-09-30. Written from public reporting. Descriptive, not investigative. See the data accuracy disclaimer.

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