February in Kapiti: Again one of Warmest places in Central NZ
We were only a couple of clicks behind the traditionally warmer eastern regions of Wairarapa and Marlborough, and ahead of Nelson.
Our daily average maximum temperature was 24.6C, recorded in Paraparaumu, but it was only very slightly cooler to the north, where there was noticeably more cloud. This was 1.3C degrees above average and the warmest February in 14 years, and compares with 22.6C in 2024. But, our overall mean temperature of 19.6C was the warmest in Central NZ.
January’s dry weather continued through February with only a few brief ‘showers’ in the third week amounting to 11 mm at the airport, similar in Otaki, but slightly more in Waikanae. This was the lowest rainfall for February in a decade. The historic average is around 60mm.
With it also being the sunniest February in at least 15 year, having the equivalent of 22.5 sunny days, February must rate as the almost perfect summer month ⎯ a pity most were in school or at work.
March, as usual, with a longtime average of almost 22C, will again likely qualify as an extra summer month in Kāpiti.
Photo: The end of another fine February day.
Share your favourite main crop potato recipe and win a copy of our mag!
Love potatoes? We will give away free copies of the May 2026 issue to readers whose potato recipes are used in our magazine. To be in the running, make sure you email your family's favourite way to enjoy potatoes: mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by March 1, 2026.
Have you got New Zealand's best shed? Show us and win!
Once again, Resene and NZ Gardener are on the hunt for New Zealand’s best shed! Send in the photos and the stories behind your man caves, she sheds, clever upcycled spaces, potty potting sheds and colourful chicken coops. The Resene Shed of the Year 2026 winner receives $1000 Resene ColorShop voucher, a $908 large Vegepod Starter Pack and a one-year subscription to NZ Gardener. To enter, tell us in writing (no more than 500 words) why your garden shed is New Zealand’s best, and send up to five high-quality photos by email to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz. Entries close February 23, 2026.
Poll: 🤖 What skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
The Reserve Bank has shared some pretty blunt advice: there’s no such thing as a “safe” job anymore 🛟😑
Robots are stepping into repetitive roles in factories, plants and warehouses. AI is taking care of the admin tasks that once filled many mid-level office jobs.
We want to know: As the world evolves, what skills do you think give a CV the ultimate edge in a robot-filled workplace?
Want to read more? The Press has you covered!
-
52.6% Human-centred experience and communication
-
14.8% Critical thinking
-
29.9% Resilience and adaptability
-
2.7% Other - I will share below!
Loading…
