But National MP for Northland Grant McCallum said Transpower leaders have now agreed to a community goodwill payment of some form.

He met with acting chief executive John Clarke and executive general manager customer and external affairs Raewyn Moss on Tuesday.

“I had a very constructive meeting – they agreed that they owed Northland,” McCallum said.

“Whilst it’s not the same [as direct compensation], it’s an indication that they are prepared to look at things.”

McCallum said Transpower made an offer, but he believed the payment should be about 10 times more. The executives said they would take this to Transpower’s board for a decision.

“We’ve got a way to go, on what I think they need to get to and what they’re offering.”

McCallum said the situation is unlike any previous event, as it was caused by “incompetence and negligence” by Transpower and its contractor.

Transpower’s Clarke agreed it was a constructive meeting with McCallum.

“We will continue to engage with him and other community representatives over what we can do to support communities in Northland, given the challenges they have faced recently.

“We will make an announcement when we are in a position to do so.”

McCallum said details about how the amount would be paid out to Northland residents and businesses has not been discussed yet.

He originally suggested Transpower discount transmission charges to Northland for a year. However, this proved too complicated, as power pricing is set by the Electricity Authority.

He said an organisation like Northland Inc might be best placed to administer any payment on behalf of Te Tai Tokerau. The regional development agency has some experience in this, as it distributed government payments to those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle.

Meanwhile, Transpower said its temporary fix for the fallen tower is robust enough to provide security of supply.

The toppled tower was replaced by a temporary tower supporting one 220kV circuit, and three steel poles supporting the second, said executive general manager grid delivery Mark Ryall.

“The fallen tower will be replaced in due course with a new, permanent tower. We have progressed design work for the new towers but we don’t have a timeframe for when the work will be completed,” he said.

“I’d like to assure the community that the temporary structures are sufficiently robust and resilient to provide for security of supply until the permanent fix is in place.”

Denise Piper is a news reporter for the Northern Advocate, focusing on health and business. She has more than 20 years in journalism and is passionate about covering stories that make a difference.