DECEMBER'S WEATHER
As in recent months, December in Kāpiti was also fairly cloudy, with only eight completely sunny days, and except for Wellington, was the coolest place in central New Zealand. However, for most of the month rainfall was again below average, and we ended the year without any severe or extreme weather events in 2023.
Although the average daily maximum temperature of 21.1 degrees was only half a degree below average it couldn’t compete with the east coast who experienced some extremely high temperatures, unusual even for them so early in summer; no doubt due to El Niño and our cooling nor-westerly breezes off the sea.
But, we still enjoyed 24 days with temperatures of 20 degrees or over, the same as Blenheim, the warmest place in central New Zealand.
Rainfall of around 90 mm was average, this being the seventh consecutive month of average or below average rainfall. Sunshine totalled the equivalent of 15 sunny days compared with 22 in December 2022.
Statistics for the year show that autumn was our wettest season, with the highest rainfall in April amounting to 203 mm, while June was the driest with only 8 mm. January was the sunniest month with the equivalent of 21.5 days of sunshine, with February and November the cloudiest with only 13 sunny days. January was also the warmest with an average daily temperature of 24 degrees. Nine months of 2023 had above average temperatures, this December being one exception.
Poll: Do you think banning gang patches is reasonable?
With the government cracking down on gangs, it is now illegal for gang members to display their insignia in public places whether through clothing or their property.
This means arrests can be made if these patches are worn in places like restaurants, shops, on public transport or ferries, and on airplanes. Arrests were made recently at a funeral.
Do you think this ban is reasonable?
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77.3% Yes
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21.8% No
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0.9% Other - I'll share below
Kapiti Coast Distilled: A Family and Friends' Foraged Gin
In an exciting development for local spirits enthusiasts, Elsewhere Gin has released a limited edition Kapiti expression that truly captures the essence of our coastal region.
This unique gin, priced at $95 per bottle, is the result of a heartwarming collaboration between Elsewhere Gin and Mark Rose's parents and their friends in Kapiti who embarked on a community foraging adventure, handpicking an array of native botanicals including kohekohe, kauri tips, strawberry guava, horopito, and kawakawa. These locally sourced ingredients were combined with classic gin botanicals, lemon, and rosemary to create a spirit that is both familiar and distinctly Kapiti.
The gin offers a sensory journey through our coastal landscape. It opens with subtle vanilla notes from the kohekohe, followed by the sweetness of strawberry guava. The addition of horopito lends a peppery kick, while kawakawa adds a unique herbal complexity. The finish showcases the zesty lemon and aromatic rosemary that grow abundantly in our region.
"This gin is a love letter to Kapiti," says Rose. "It's not just my creation, but a true community effort. Every sip tells a story of our unique ecosystem, our shared knowledge, and the incredible flavors we have right here in our backyard."
With only a small batch produced, this Kapiti gin is expected to sell out quickly. It's more than just a drink; it's a bottled experience of our local terroir and community spirit, perfect for those who appreciate the finer aspects of craft spirits and the beauty of our coastal home.
Available exclusively through Elsewhere Gin, please contact Michael Anderson for this limited edition gin that offers a rare opportunity to taste the Kapiti coast - and its community - in a glass.
Michael Anderson
021 620 065
Email; michael.anderson@xtra.co.nz
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
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