Weatherman in Bay for a fine spell

A fishing trawler heads out in calm seas. Fine and settled weather is predicted for Easter weekend.Photo / Paul Taylor

The weatherman is so sure about good weather for Easter he's coming to Hawke's Bay to enjoy it.

MetService communications meteorologist John Law, who has lived in Wellington since arriving in New Zealand from England about three-and-a-half-years ago, yesterday confirmed fine weather for the twin-cities of Napier and Hastings for Good Friday and Saturday, with temperatures up to 25C.

"It's so good I'm off to Hawke's Bay for the weekend."

He was looking forward to the wineries, Sunday's Farmers Market in Hastings, and "anything you can recommend".

Also on the calendar in Hawke's Bay are cycling's Big Easy, with a warm-up in Waipukurau starting at 11am tomorrow and the big event on Saturday in Havelock North and Clive. The Highland Games are in Hastings on Saturday and Sunday, while horse racing is on in Hastings on Saturday.

The Hawks' opening NBL basketball game of the season against Nelson Giants is at Napier's Pettigrew-Green Arena on Saturday night, and stockcars and speedway racing at Meeanee on Saturday and Sunday nights.

Other events running throughout the weekend include the Napier Performing Arts Society's annual competition in the Napier Municipal Theatre, and the Hawke's Bay Squash Racquets Club's open Easter Tournament.

While the forecast is for a shift to southerlies later on Sunday and rain on Easter Monday, Mr Law said it was possible it will hit mainly areas north of Napier, and the ranges.