
Severe thunderstorm watch - valid until 9pm Friday
The combination of another warm humid day and light winds are expected to produce thunderstorms about many parts of the North Island this afternoon and evening.
Between about 1pm and 9pm today, a few of the thunderstorms could be severe about inland North Island areas from Northland to Whanganui, Taihape and Hawkes Bay (including Auckland), and also affecting coastal parts of Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.
These thunderstorms are expected to produce localised downpours of 25-40 mm/hr (or more), hail 20mm diameter (or larger), and maybe wind gusts of 60-80km/hr.
Rainfall of this intensity can cause surface and/or flash flooding, especially about low-lying areas such as streams, rivers or narrow valleys, and may also lead to slips.
Driving conditions will also be hazardous with surface flooding and poor visibility in heavy rain.


Poll: Would you use a pet cemetery?
Dave Stephens has created a pet cemetery on his land.
The 10-acre site in Albany, Auckland, features graves nestled among beautifully manicured gardens and unique art pieces, offering a serene space where visitors can pay their respects in their own way.
Is a local pet cemetery something you think you would use? Share your thoughts below.

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31.3% Yes
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67.1% No
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1.5% Other - I'll share below

How to support Matthew's support
The work of CCS Disability Action Waikato makes a huge difference in the lives of disabled people and their whaanau across the Waikato, Coromandel and King Country.
One person who the organisation supports is Matthew Sloane (pictured above), someone who, in his dad David’s words, “spreads joy.”
“Matthew is an incredibly cheerful, friendly person, and that friendliness is contagious,” said David.
The 31-year-old has a learning disability and has been supported by CCS Disability Action’s Waikato branch for around 10 years. He is also employed as a caretaker at the local branch, work he enjoys.
Matthew has a small team of Support Workers who spend time with him each weekday morning and help him to live independently. Every day holds something different. As well as working at CCS Disability Action, he enjoys a regular cycling session and connecting with friends.


Poll: Are speed bumps effective or just annoying?
Speed bumps are a hot topic in many neighborhoods - they aim to slow down speeding drivers, but they also impact everyone on the road. In your opinion, do you think they do the trick or are they just an inconvenience?
Share your thoughts below.

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38.9% They do the job
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59.2% I'm not a fan, they're just annoying!
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1.9% Other - I'll share below