Severe weather warning near West Coast - heavy rain
An active front is forecast to move slowly north over the South Island during Thursday and Friday, bringing heavy rain to parts of central and southern New Zealand.
This is expected to be an exceptionally heavy rainfall event for Westland with flooding and slips likely.
Area: Ranges of Buller and western Nelson including Nelson Lakes
Valid: 24 hours from 10:00am Thursday to 10:00am Friday
Forecast: Expect 90 to 140mm of rain to accumulate. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm per hour especially overnight Thursday and Friday morning.
Area: Westland north of Otira
Valid: 16 hours from 9:00am Thursday to 1:00am Friday
Forecast: Expect a further 120 to 150mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges and 60 to 90mm elsewhere on top of what has already fallen. Peak intensities of 15 to 25mm per hour especially about the ranges. Thunderstorms possible.
Area: Westland south of Otira
Valid: 9 hours from 9:00am to 6:00pm Thursday
Forecast: Significant heavy rainfall and flooding likely. Expect a further 200 to 250mm of rain to accumulate about the ranges and 80 to 100mm elsewhere on top of what has already fallen. Peak intensities of 30 to 40mm per hour in thunderstorms this morning and early afternoon.
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.
Warnings about scams
This Fraud Awareness Week, we’re reminding everyone to stay sharp and look out for the warning signs of scams to stop them before they start.
Here’s what to watch out for:
🔍 Unrealistic offers or promises of easy money that are too good to be true
🔍 Pressure tactics: Scammers may rush or threaten you to act immediately.
🔍 Requests for personal info: Be cautious if you’re asked for bank details, passwords, or sensitive information.
🔍 Unusual payment methods like gift cards, cryptocurrency, or wire transfers.
🔍 Unverified contacts: Emails, calls, or messages from unknown or suspicious sources.
How to protect yourself:
✅ Stop and think before sharing personal details or making payments.
✅ Don't click on any links until you know that it is safe.
✅ Verify the source: Contact the organisation directly using official channels.
✅ If something’s not right, it's OK to hang up, walk away, ignore it and move on.
If you wish to report a scam, contact Police on 105 or report it online via 105.police.govt.nz/use-105.
Tactile texture
Welcome texture into your room by using leftover Resene Anaglypta wallpaper to accentuate furniture and décor items. Find out how to create your own with these easy step by step instructions.