Wellington  - The New Zealand government will launch a national television campaign to persuade consumers to save electricity at the weekend unless significant rain tops up hydro storage lakes in the next few days, Energy Minister David Parker said on Monday.

Parker insisted that power cuts were not likely in the winter that began with a severe cold snap on June 1 but said New Zealand was experiencing its driest year since 1992 and a conservation campaign was prudent.

Speaking at a news conference after the weekly cabinet meeting discussed the situation, Parker denied that the country faced a power crisis, and said, "We do not want the sick or elderly to turn off the heaters at home.

"This is about reminding homes and businesses about the simple steps they can take to reduce power use and save on their power bills, such as turning off lights and equipment that's not being used."

The South Island hydro lakes that provide most of the country's electricity are reported to be below half the average level for the time of year. (dpa)