Auckland to get more wild weather, as overnight thunderstorm strikes
Aucklanders are waking up to more rain and strong gusts this morning, with showers - some heavy - and possible thunderstorms and hail all featuring on today’s forecast.
A total of 1247 lightning strikes were recorded in the North Island between 8pm and 6am, according to MetService this morning.
Auckland saw 329 lightning strikes, while the Waikato region was described as the “lightning rod” of the north by meteorologist Alec Holden; clocking in 414 strikes in total overnight.
Waka Kotahi is warning for motorists to expect delays on Auckland’s Harbour Bridge “due to ongoing strong wind gusts”.
“[The] Harbour Bridge will be operating with 4 lanes in each direction during this morning’s peak travel period. Expect delays. Take extra care especially if you are in a lighter or high-sided vehicle,” the organisation said
It is also set to be a cold day. MetService is forecasting a temperature high of 14C, while an overnight low of 8C will mean for an extra blanket or two.
Just after 6am, the weather authority reported conditions to be feeling like 13C and that people would need three layers of clothing - including something windproof.
Strong westerly winds are also on the cards. Gusts of up to 56km/h are expected, MetService said.
A sudden cluster of thunderstorms hit the city overnight - about 9pm - bringing in howling winds, heavy rain and hail stones the size of peanut M&Ms.
Loud thunder turned into lightning - at one point, striking the Sky Tower.
Members of the public from various parts of the city took to social media to share photos of giant hail stones and dramatic video footage - including the spectacular moment the Sky Tower was struck.
The hailstorm was reported in suburbs around Auckland - including in Point Chevalier and Mt Albert.
While heavy rain and thunderstorms were also reported in Mt Eden, Onehunga, Titirangi, Massey, Ponsonby and parts of South Auckland.
The size of the hailstones was described by one Mt Albert resident as being “as big as M&Ms”.
“The most intense thunderstorm I’ve ever experienced is rolling over Ponsonby right now,” one local said.
Deputy Prime Minister Carmel Sepuloni had a frightening experience as the plane she was travelling on attempted to land at Auckland Airport during the weather event.
“The plane was getting knocked around. Ended up circling for about 45 minutes and then landing safely,” she shared on social media.
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The Influence of the Whānau - Day 9
In a small Māori pā (village) nestled beside a flowing river, a young boy named Rangi lived with his whānau. Rangi was curious and adventurous, always exploring the ngahere (forest) and listening to the stories of his kaumātua (elders). The kaumātua would often remind him, “He waka eke noa”—we are all in this together, and our actions affect the collective.
Rangi's best friend, Manu, was a clever boy but sometimes made poor choices. Manu had recently begun spending time with a group of older boys from another pā who were known for their reckless behavior. They would waste kai (food), leave rubbish in the ngahere, and even disturb the sacred awa (river) by throwing stones at eels.
One day, Manu invited Rangi to join the group, saying, “Come on, Rangi! They’re fun, and they won’t hurt anyone. We’re just having a good time!” Unsure, Rangi agreed, feeling pressure to fit in.
The group’s leader, Matiu, proposed a game: they would sneak into the kaumātua's kumara patch at night and take some for a "feast." Rangi hesitated. He remembered the kaumātua saying how much work went into growing the kumara, with karakia (prayers) and care for the soil. But he stayed silent, feeling outnumbered.
That night, the group raided the garden. As they laughed and ate the stolen kumara by the fire, Rangi felt uneasy. He realized that this was not who he wanted to be. When he saw Manu’s joy in impressing Matiu, Rangi felt torn but remained quiet.
The next morning, the kaumātua discovered the missing kumara and the trampled garden. They called the entire pā together, expressing sadness, not anger. “Our ancestors teach us that the whenua (land) provides for all of us, but only if we treat it with respect,” said one elder. “When we harm the whenua, we harm ourselves.”
Rangi’s heart sank. That evening, he confessed to the kaumātua and his whānau, explaining everything. To his surprise, they did not scold him harshly. Instead, they said, “He tangata tītoki, he tangata rākau—a person is like a tree; they grow straight when supported by others. You must choose companions who uphold the values of your whānau and whenua.”
Rangi decided to distance himself from Manu’s new group and instead spent time with those who respected the land and upheld the teachings of their ancestors. Over time, he encouraged Manu to rejoin him, and together they worked to rebuild the kumara patch, learning from the kaumātua.
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Moral
This story highlights the importance of right company and like-mindedness. It shows that no one is inherently bad, but the influence of others and the situations we choose can lead us astray. Surrounding ourselves with those who uphold values like respect, care, and collective well-being ensures a life of balance and harmony.
Ka mua, ka muri — by learning from the past, we can walk into the future.
Poll: When should the tree go up? 🎄
From what we've heard, some Christmas trees are already being assembled and decorated.
What are your thoughts on the best time to get your Christmas tree up?
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4.7% Second half of November
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43.5% 1st December
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17.6% A week before Christmas
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33.1% Whenever you wish
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1.1% Other - I'll share below
Today’s Riddle – Can You Outsmart Your Neighbours?
First you eat me, then you get eaten. What am I?
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