Story: Energy supply and use

Power cuts

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.

Sound file from Radio New Zealand Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero. Any re-use of this audio is a breach of copyright. To request a copy of the recording, contact Sound Archives Ngā Taonga Kōrero (1947 power cuts /Reference number sa-t-0897-su06-sc )

Using this item

Otago Daily Times
Reference: Evening Star, 29 March 1956

Permission of the Otago Daily Times must be obtained before any re-use of this image.

All images & media in this story

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, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/speech/21444/power-cuts (accessed 29 March 2024)

Story by Megan Cook, published 11 Mar 2010