Haera Ra 2024: Wairarapa
As Ata Rangi approaches 45 years of growing wine in Wairarapa, Winemaker Helen Masters explores some of the highs and lows of 2024, including "The Vintage" of the past 30 years.
From 8am Monday 3 February, all of Wairarapa will be in an open fire season, meaning people in the region can light outdoor fires without a permit.
Wellington District Manager Brett Lockyer says wetter, less windy conditions have slowed the rapid drying of vegetation like pasture grasses, coastal dune grasses, gorse, scrub, and pine forests.
"The fire risk has come back down because any fires that get started or escape controlled burns will be slower-moving and easier to control," he says.
"While you don’t need fire permits in an open season, we do still ask people to take sensible precautions when lighting fires.”
Lockyer advises people to check the fire safety advice at checkitsalright.nz.
"While you don’t need fire permits in an open season, we do still ask people to take sensible precautions when lighting fires,” he adds.
