“The thing about a heat alert is that it’s more than just a hot summer’s day. We’re seeing this air mass, which has been over Australia for a little while ... [has] come over New Zealand now.
New Zealand won’t get those extreme temperatures that Australia gets, but it is going to get “some big temperatures”.
Hastings, in neighbouring Hawke’s Bay, is forecast to reach 38C, which is “stinking hot,” Pawley said.
It’s important to “check in on each other” during weather alerts.
“To think about those extra vulnerable people, like young people and checking up on your nana.”
Hydration and shade were also important, and being mindful of pets.
“Making sure that they have water and not walking them when the concrete’s too hot,” he said.
Swimming pool visits down
Families wishing to cool off this weekend may head to Kiwa Pools, but overall summer admissions have dropped since last year.
Trends for the local pool show the variable summer weather has caused a slight decrease in visitors, but an increase in hydroslide users.
Reflecting on the summer season at Kiwa Pools, Gisborne District Council aquatics manager Campbell MacGregor told Local Democracy Reporting it had been an “enjoyable summer”.
“It’s great to see good behaviour, and we’ve had a decrease in issues and rescues.”
However, the variable weather patterns had affected how people use the facility.
Wet weather often influences the length of time people stay at the pools and the use of the outdoor complex, he said.
“Windy and wet conditions affect our ability to safely operate the outdoor area, resulting in closures when necessary.”
The pool had had 3000 fewer visitors this summer compared with last year, thanks largely to December’s wet, cold start.
This was mainly because of school groups cancelling, but most had rebooked for the start of 2026, Campbell said.
However, hydroslide use increases with fine weather, and the pool has had 3000 more users in December/January this summer compared with last year.
From December 1, 2025, to January 7, 2026, Kiwa Pools welcomed more than 29,000 visitors.
For the same period last summer, admissions were just over 32,000.
The pool staff wanted to thank the community for respecting the facility – but one ongoing challenge was ensuring visitors were aware the complex was smoke- and vape-free indoors and out, Campbell said.
Staff were increasing their education and signage around the complex as a result, he said.
The pools recorded more than 183,000 admissions during 2025.
Admissions for all months up to December 2025 had remained consistent compared with 2024, Campbell said.
“It’s positive to see the indoor complex being used more over our winter months and being a place our community chooses to come and have fun during colder periods.”
From December 2024, and over the course of 2025, adult entry fees rose by $1.70, bringing the total cost to $7.50.
Children, pensioners and Community Service Card holders’ fees rose by $1.50.
The rise in costs had caused a slight decline in one-off admissions, but 10-trip pass sales had increased.
This indicated that the community was opting for cost-effective options and was well-informed about available pricing choices, Campbell said.
These prices will remain in place until June.
