Fewer than 50 properties in Southland and 67 properties in South Otago remain without power after last month's devastating winds.

PowerNet says it has made huge progress in reconnecting residents, but it is aware there is a small number of people who have been without power for nearly two weeks.

It said it was working to restore power to the 115 properties as soon as possible.

The storm knocked out supplies to more than 25,000 properties.

Community hubs remain open across Southland and parts of South Otago.

Emergency Management Southland said many parks, reserves, cemeteries and playgrounds in Invercargill, Bluff, and the Southland District remained closed.

Southland District Council had an estimated 15,000 trees to assess with more than 1000 deemed safe and another 60 needing some work.

Invercargill City Council estimated more than 1000 trees were potentially damaged and many parks and reserves needed a clean-up.

Emergency Management Southland said people should not collect firewood or enter storm-affected areas as wood from fallen trees in parks would be made available when it was safe.

The state of emergency is due to lapse on Friday.

A community BBQ will be held at Woodend on Friday, hosted by Rural Support Trust, Emergency Management Southland, DairyNZ and others.

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