Opinion: Kiwi winter a shock

The Bay of Plenty has had its fair share of rain. Photo/file

For the past five years I've moved around Western Australia and for the most part, forgot what it was like to experience a Kiwi winter.

I returned home last Wednesday, coming back at the end of the season and being welcomed with a taste of what to expect.

Since then, more than 100mm of rain has fallen in Tauranga and I've seen more wet days than dry days - and I'm already looking forward to the end of it.

That's not to say it never rained in Australia. Last month, the city I lived in had more than a month's worth of rain within the first two weeks of the month.

It seems I've come home to something similar.

Tauranga has had more than a year's worth of rainfall this year in the first eight months and it was quite possible it would reach record numbers in the next four months.

I for one am hoping that doesn't happen but if it does, let's be mindful of what impact the weather conditions can have.

Roads can become dangerous and we've seen a few crashes in recent days so it's timely we remind people to be more cautious while driving, especially during those busy times.

Increase your following distance, be more patient and perhaps try to leave for your destination 10 minutes before you would have normally, just to avoid a rush.

Despite this wet weather I'm excited about being back in this beautiful country of ours and can't wait to enjoy one of my favourite things about New Zealand - daylight savings and more time to enjoy the outdoors.

I'm looking forward to the weather drying up a bit as we move into spring - let's just hope it happens sooner rather than later.