South Otago communities have been digging in following destructive storms on October 23.
Officials have praised the community spirit shown by residents, hundreds having faced days without mains power and disruption to water supply caused by uprooted pipes.
Days after the storm, Clydevale dairy farmers Todd and Holly McCammon welcomed PowerNet linemen inspecting their 220ha farm for damage.
Mrs McCammon said about 250 trees had been knocked over by the high winds, destroying fencing and cutting power.
"It was awful. Pretty scary, but we’re all still here and walking.
"Obviously, we want power back as quickly as possible, but it’s a matter of waiting our turn. I’m sure there are others in a worse situation elsewhere in the South, so we just need to be patient.
"These guys are doing a fantastic job."
Linemen were hailed as "heroes" following the storms that blasted through the South, as they worked tirelessly to restore power.
PowerNet chief executive Paul Blue toured South Otago work sites, offering encouragement to some of the 500 linemen and support staff on the job.
Mr Blue said the scale of the repair job was something never before seen in the South.
"Talking to customers across the region, no-one has seen anything like this before. It’s not necessarily the severity of the damage, but the sheer scale of it. Where other events might be localised on the map, this is simply everywhere.
"We understand the pain and frustration customers are going through. Many of our staff and their families are among those without power, and we’re proud of the work they’re doing to help the communities they live in."
Oamaru lineman Nathan Cunningham said he was called in on October 31.
"When do I think we’re going home? After the last house gets its power back on, I’d say."
