Gisborne briefs: La Nina weather; Te Matatini; woolhandler Joel Henare; Cyclone Gabrielle claims

South Island-based Gisborne woolhandler Joel Henare is aiming to win a third world title at the 2026 Golden Shears World Championships in Masterton next year. Photo / Liam Clayton

Tairāwhiti can expect near-average temperatures, near-normal rainfall and near-normal spoil moisture levels from February through April, according to Niwa’s latest Seasonal Climate Outlook.

The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research outlook summary points to a La Nina weather pattern.

“As of January 2025, oceanic and atmospheric conditions in the Pacific meet most of Niwa’s criteria for La Nina,” the summary states.

“International guidance for February-April indicates about a 50% chance for La Nina conditions to persist.

“For Gisborne/Tairawhiti February to April, temperatures are about equally likely to be near average (40% chance) or above average (35% chance),” the summary states.

“Rainfall totals are about equally likely to be near normal (40% chance) or above normal (35% chance). Occasional heavy rainfall events cannot be ruled out as the season progresses.

“Soil moisture levels and river flows are both about equally likely to be near normal (40-45% chance) or below normal (35-40% chance).”

Countdown to Te Matatini finals

The cream of Tairāwhiti kapa haka groups are honing their performances in preparation for the biggest-ever Te Matatini national performing arts festival in New Plymouth from February 25 to March 1.

Five Tairāwhiti groups qualified for the national finals which will feature a record 55 groups. They are Waihirere, Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti, Te Hokowhitu A Tu, Tū Te Manawa Maurea and Hikurangi.

Waihirere has a tradition of success at the event, which has been running since 1977, having won the overall title five times - 1972, 1979, 1988, 1998 and 2002 - while Whāngārā Mai Tawhiti were champions in 2007 and 2017.

Reigning champions Te Kapa Haka o Te Whānau-a-Apanui won the Mātaatua competition held at Tōrere in the eastern Bay of Plenty to qualify for the 2025 finals.

Such are the numbers involved this year, an extra day has been added to the programme.

For those who do not attend the festival, Te Matatini will be screened live and free-to-air on TVNZ 2 and TVNZ+, and on Whakaata Māori and Māori+.

“Te Matatini is more than a festival,” Whakaata Māori director of content and audience engagement, Maria Barlow said. “It is the heartbeat of te ao Māori, a living expression of our ancestors’ aspirations, and a vibrant celebration of our future.

Henare eyeing another world title

Gisborne woolhandler extraordinaire Joel Henare is eyeing more world championship success in New Zealand next year.

South Island-based Henare has entered the national teams' selection series from which two machine shearers, two blade shearers and two woolhandlers will be named in the New Zealand squad for the Golden Shears World Championships in Masterton from March 4-7.

Henare won the woolhandling individual world title in Masterton in 2012 and Invercargill in 2017. He starts his bid to make the 2026 worlds at the Southern Shears in Gore on February 14-15.

Cyclone damage claim reminder

The two-year anniversary of Cyclone Gabrielle is not far away and the Natural Hazards Commission Toka Tū Ake is reminding those who still have to file a claim for damage to contact their insurer as soon as possible.

“A call out to homeowners who were affected by the Auckland Anniversary Weekend floods and Cyclone Gabrielle in 2023,” the commission said in a social media post.

“If you have not yet made your claim for damage, please call your insurer ASAP. You have up to two years after any natural hazard event to lodge a claim for damage. Find information about natural hazards cover at www.knowyourcover.co.nz"