Don’t be an egg! If you smell something rotten, it could be a gas leak.

Powerco is turning to the Kiwi phrase ‘don’t be an egg’ to drive home the importance of reporting the smell of gas.  

While the message that gas leaks can be dangerous and need to be reported is a serious one, the campaign is designed to capture people’s attention with a striking image and a touch of humour.  

Powerco General Manager Gas Don Elers says the campaign delivers a simple but important message in a uniquely Kiwi way. 

“We want people in our communities to report any suspicious gas smells to us, so we can investigate them.   

“We’ve played on the fact that, for safety, gas has a harmless additive in it to give it a distinctive rotten egg smell. The smell is designed to alert people to the fact that gas, which is naturally odourless, could be leaking.   

“Whether it turns out to be a gas leak or not, it’s better that people let us know if they think they smell gas, rather than ignoring it.”   

Powerco field crews are available 24/7 to investigate suspected gas leaks, Don Elers says.  

“We encourage anyone to contact us through our emergency line on 0800 111 848 if they have concerns.”  

Powerco regularly uses campaigns to build public awareness around keeping safe on its electricity and gas networks. 

The ‘don’t be an egg’ campaign will run from Monday 2 September until Sunday 20 October online, in newspapers and on radio, across the regions where Powerco operates the gas network – Taranaki, Manawatū, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington.  

What to do if you smell gas. 

Above: One of the gas safety advertisements.