increase font size
December has been the driest month on record for most of Southland with as little as three per cent of the historical rainfall average falling in some parts.
Environment Southland Scientific Officer Chris Jenkins said in what was typically one of Southland's wetter months, the Council's automated rain gauge network has recorded a range of between just three and 33 per cent of the December averages across the region.
That represents some of the lowest levels on Environment Southland's records.
Jenkins said hardest hit by the lack of rainfall have been coastal and central Southland.
Woodlands received just 4.5mm of rain last month, well below the December average of 102mm taken from records dating back to 1975. Invercargill has had 13mm of rainfall, the lowest since 1940.
The Hokonui hills had 8 mm which is the lowest since records began in 1963.
River levels are dropping but they have not yet reflected the December dry spell because the wet spring season bolstered groundwater levels.
The Oreti, Mataura and Aparima rivers are already below the mean annual low flow and will continue to fall steadily, unless replenished by significant rainfall, Mr Jenkins said.
However river flows are typically at their lowest in February or March as groundwater inputs decrease, he said.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
The 'atmospheric river' of rain that swept down the country last week almost completely avoided one of the worst drought-affected regions in the country – coastal Taranaki.
Much-needed rain finally arrived in Northland, giving many farmers breathing space to get themselves back on track for next season.
The drought in western parts of the North Island is reaching crisis point with many farmers from Northland to Taranaki having to truck in water and feed for their stock at great expense.
OPINION: Feds Southland 'pres' Jason Herrick and colleagues who continue the good fight against bureaucratic madness on behalf of farmers, have had another win - for now, at least - getting a court decision granting a 'stay' on rules in the Southland Water and Land Plan until changes can be made to section 70 of the RMA by central goverment, somtheing they clearly signaled after the election.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.
For Wonky Box co-founder Angus Simms, the decision to open the service to those in rural areas is a personal one.
The golden age of orcharding in West Auckland was recently celebrated at the launch of a book which tells the story of its rise, then retreat in the face of industry change and urban expansion.
