JULY'S WEATHER IN KĀPITI
With June’s mild, dry weather continuing well into July, some began to wonder whether winter might also bypass July, but it turned-up in the third week along with a series of southerlies. But, overall July was slightly milder and sunnier than usual, with rainfall again well below average, and we continued to avoid the severe rain events again afflicting the north and east of the North Island.
The daily average maximum temperature of 14.1 degrees was a few points above average, but a couple of points below last year. Only Levin and Blenheim with 14.4 degrees were very slightly warmer than Kāpiti in central New Zealand. However, Kāpiti’s overall mean temperature of 10.3 degrees was the highest in that region. No frosts were recorded in the western parts of central New Zealand, although I did notice a few white tinges on neighbouring roofs a couple of times.
The sunshine equivalent 16 fine days, was also slightly above average.
This July was one of the driest of the last decade, with only 54 mm recorded at the airport. This compares with the historical average of 90 mm and last year’s 208 mm!
The wintry weather experienced over the last 10 days of the month may have slowed the onset of spring, already evident, but records show that warmer weather occurs with increasing frequency as August progresses.
Poll: Should all neighbours have to contribute to improvements?
An Auckland court has ruled a woman doesn’t have to contribute towards the cost of fixing a driveway she shares with 10 neighbours.
When thinking about fences, driveways or tree felling, for example, do you think all neighbours should have to pay if the improvements directly benefit them?
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83% Yes
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14.4% No
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2.6% Other - I'll share below
Moe mai rā, Nicholas.
We're sad to announce the passing of Nicholas Boyack, our Hutt Valley reporter who has long written for The Dominion Post, The Hutt News and Upper Hutt Leader.
What's your favourite tomato recipe?
Kia ora neighbours. We know your tomato plants are still growing, but we're looking ahead to the harvest already! If you've got a family recipe for tomatoes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine to share with our readers. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our February 2025 issue.