Summer has officially arrived in Northland — and so have the first water restrictions.
People in South Hokianga are already being urged to limit water use as a precaution against serious shortages expected later this summer.
Level 2 restrictions, brought in on December 1, make it illegal for anyone connected to the Opononi/Omapere and Rawene/Omanaia water supplies to use unattended garden hoses, automatic sprinklers or irrigation devices.
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Under the level 2 restrictions using a hand-held garden hose is still permitted.