Ex-cyclone Gita has wreaked havoc across New Zealand this week — causing trouble for ASX-listed chicken producer Tegel (ASX:TGH).

Gita caused widespread flooding and powerful winds in areas including New Plymouth, where Tegel operates one of the three New Zealand plants that process 55 million birds a year.

A cut to water supply at the New Plymouth plant could cost as much as $NZ2 million ($1.9 million), Tegal said.

“The plant suspended full production yesterday however parts of the production line will resume today and the feedmill is operational,” it said.

A fallen tree reportedly sheared a water pipe in half, cutting off water supply to homes and businesses across the district. A report from local news sources said local stores were running out of bottled water, and residents urged to conserve what was left.

A state of emergency was declared across large parts of New Zealand earlier in the week.

Tegel Group shares (ASX:TGH) over the past year.

Tegel Group shares (ASX:TGH) over the past year.To make matters worse, Tegel lost stock due to an ammonia leak earlier in the week.

It reassured shareholders its other facilities in Christchurch and Henderson were unharmed and could increase production to make up for the shortfall.

The estimated impact on profit was $NZ1.5 million to $NZ2 million — a figure the company said it was working to confirm.

Shares in the company were steady at 98c on Thursday.