The Gisborne region has been plunged into early holiday mode.
A light plane crashed into high-voltage power lines, at Hangaroa west of Gisborne yesterday morning, killing the two men aboard.
The crash has left 20,000 homes and businesses without electricity, meaning a majority have shut up shop.
Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon said while it will be up to individual bosses to decide if it's worth calling in workers, there might not be much for them to do.
"Probably about 90 percent of the shops have closed because they all rely on electronic forms of payment, and so the town is quite deserted."
Foon said the milk is going off and electric hobs don't work. But he said for those who don't have gas cooking some food outlets are open.
"Council has supplied some generators to some of the food businesses knowing that some people won't be able to cook at home, so some businesses are open for food."
Tairawhiti Civil Defence Public information officer Sheridan Gundry said extra generators have also been brought in for gas stations, retirement villages and medical facilities.
She said extra police can been seen patrolling the streets, and they're available 24/7 at the Gisborne Central Police Station.
"Police have put on extra staff just to provide increased surveillance. It's just a good idea to have an extra police presence."
It is hoped the power will be on later this afternoon.
Meanwhile, at least nine schools are closed today. The Ministry of Education said some schools have decided to close due to limited water supply.
Gisborne Central, Awapuni, Te Hapara, Mangapapa, Te Wharau, and Makaraka primary schools are closed.
St Mary's Catholic School, Campion College and Gisborne Intermediate will also be shut.
Sheridan Gundry said it is up to the schools themselves whether they want to reopen, although she advised people to not flush the toilets if possible.
"It's really up to the school board of trustees to decide on that. They generally can't operate without the water, but if they have water then they should be fine" she said.
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