Some still desperate for rain

GROWING: Hawke's Bay apples are ripening well during the region's dry spell. PHOTO/PAUL TAYLOR

The dry spell is not over for some Hawke's Bay farmers.

No significant rainfall is forecast for the region during the first half of April, Hawke's Bay Regional Council warns.

Although Cyclone Pam provided some relief last month, its effects were not evenly spread.

Some parts of Hawke's Bay got significant rain, while others received very little. Areas in the southern part of the region, between Takapau and Patangata to Mangaorapa and beyond, are still very dry.

The Hawke's Bay Adverse Events Trust continues to monitor the situation, regional council chairman Fenton Wilson said. They note that farmers, in general, are making the right decisions and are coping well in comparison with similar events in the past.

"More Hawke's Bay farmers seem to have picked up valuable lessons from previous droughts and dry periods, and are adapting their land management practices and strategies to suit the climate."

Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay president Will Foley said that it was next year's production that would be impacted.

"I would say the Ongaonga area is fine and getting the odd 5mm which is all adding up. The Takapau area, though, is struggling to get any decent follow-up rain. Pasture is still growing slowly though where there is no grazing pressure. Most guys still seemed to be coping, but it will be next year's production this dry weather is starting to affect now."

MetService forecaster Chelsea Glue said it was looking pretty dry for the next five days.

The sun would be out today but it would cloud over tomorrow, with a few scattered showers expected. The rain would likely hit inland areas, although a few showers could cross over to the coast as the front moves north, Ms Glue said.

The start of next week looked cloudy and dry.