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Story: Energy supply and use

Power cuts

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Power cuts, common after the Second World War, made New Zealanders return to old habits and take on new ones. This photograph shows people queuing to buy kerosene lamps during power restrictions in 1956. The lamps had been the standard source of light in New Zealand homes until the early 20th century. Ian Vernazoni, a radio announcer, remembers the new time service provided by a Christchurch radio station during a 1947 power cut.

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Ngā Taonga Sound & Vision

Reference: 23140

Image: Otago Daily Times, Evening Star, 29 March 1956

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How to cite this page

Megan Cook, Energy supply and use – Electricity, late 19th to mid-20th century, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/speech/21444/power-cuts (accessed 14 June 2026).

Story by Megan Cook, published 12 April 2010.