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JANUARY'S WEATHER TOPS
January’s weather in Kāpiti was warmer, sunnier and drier than average, and we began our second year free of any extreme/severe weather.
Our average daily maximum temperature of 24.2 degrees was over a degree warmer than a 13-year average, but only a couple of points higher than January 2023.
Every day exceeded 20 degrees, with 11 days over 25 degrees. The warmest was Monday 22 with 29.5 degrees in Paraparaumu. For coastal Kāpiti with its sea breezes, reaching 29 degrees is a rare event and over the last 10 years has only occurred three times. As usual, Masterton and Blenheim, at 25.7 degrees had the highest average maximums, with Kāpiti the second-highest in central New Zealand. However, our overall mean temperature of 19.8 degrees was the highest in central New Zealand reflecting our warmer nights.
Breaking the spell of recent cloudy months, January received the equivalent of 20 sunny days, nearly two more than average.
Rainfall of 52mm recorded at the airport was around 80% of average, again reflecting the low precipitation of recent months.
February is traditionally our warmest and sunniest month, but last year this occurred in January, so It will be interesting to see how this February pans out. However, as autumn approaches the days are becoming noticeably shorter.
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Do you have a great recipe for pears?
Kia ora neighbours. We give away free copies to readers whose recipes are used in our magazine, and we're still on the hunt for pear recipes! Send your family's favourite way to use up this delicious fruit, to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, by the end of this week . If we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of the April issue.
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Show us what you've been up to...
Brighten our day, and show us a glimpse into your world, neighbours.
We'd love to see some of the photos you've taken lately or any craft/DIY projects you're working on.
Simply add a photo below 📷🌅 🌻
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Poll: Is street parking fair game?
Some people are frustrated by their neighbours or neighbour's friends parking on the street outside their house. This means they have to park further away themselves.
Do you think it is inconsiderate to park directly outside a neighbour's house on the road? Or do you think street parking is fair game?
Share your thoughts below.
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66.1% Yes, street parks belong to no one
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31.8% No, it's inconsiderate
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2.1% Other - I'll share below