Auckland apartment block residents say they spent much of the long weekend without power, water or lighting after entire building shut down

Scene One apartment tower on Beach Rd was plunged into darkness about 6 on Friday evening, affecting about 300 residents in 100 apartments.

Residents say there was no water to the apartments for more than 14 hours.

Elderly residents were stuck on upper levels, with the stairwell pitch black after back-up emergency lighting failed.

A lack of communication from building management had made the situation worse.

Power was eventually restored on Sunday evening.