KEY POINTS:
Don't let a few days of sunshine fool you: the fickle weather - a feature of the summer so far - is set to return, with heavy rain, cooler temperatures and failing crops expected in coming months. What do you make of the weather this summer?
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Send us your views
Here is a selection of your latest views:
Melissa
I am sick and tired of this weather!! All I want is some sun and some heat! Is that too much to ask? Most of us long all year for summer and its making us all terribly depressed and grumpy that we have not received it yet! Too many mopey faces. We are dying for a swim at our many awesome beaches but the waters just far to cold! Please we are begging for it to change soon!!
Jason Wallis
I have been living in California for 10 years now. I am still amazed when I return to NZ every year and the torrential downpours of summer. I am further astounded by the average Kiwis irrational weather optimism of saying You shoulda been here yesterday; it was sunny and beautiful. I do not believe a word of it mate!
Tiana Lasika-Samasoni
You can never count on Aucklands weather espcially in the weekend cause 9 times out of 10, its gonna rain. I was born and raised in Auckland and have grown to hate the rain. Im now seiously starting to look at moving country for a steadier weather pattern. After living with the rain for over 25 years, sunshine everyday would be a welcome change.
Ambrose White
I love the rain and after 32 years of living in Australia. I never stop to marvel at the greeness of the NZ countryside when flying in. I think that is something that has been lost with a lot of the expat Kiwis who have left that beautiful land. They will probably be the first to come home when the drought really starts to hit (hip pocket) them.
Norman Bunrs
I live in Perth where 2006 had 400mm less rain than average, not good for a city which depends on groundwater for most of its water supplies. Other areas of Oz are in a once ina millennium (the experts' words, not mine) drought. Melbourne is in stage three water restrictions, no watering lawns, washing cars etc. In other words the Big Dry is bad news. So why hasn't someone in NZ latched onto the commercial aspects of all that rain you are getting? Surely someone other than the Coca Cola Company (which seems to own most bottled water brands) has the nonce to gather excess rainwater and ship it to where it is needed most? Package it nicely, give it a catchy brand (NZPure anyone?) and there is a waiting market over here.
Paul Jancys
I blame the government. If Helen Clark had not upset the Exclusive Brethren then God would have shown mercy on our summer
John
The weather is NZ is an awful joke. Since bailing from Ak (excuse the pun) to live in Sydney I do not miss the awful weather one bit. It leaks into your very soul. Auckland is sooooo depressing andI only go back for very short visits to see family. Most Kiwis think the weather is normal. Although Australia is very dry I will shower in VB before I would ever consider living back there.
Emily Bennett
I love the rain. We should be thankful we have it. Parts of Australia are running out of water. There is no such thing as bad weather only inappropriate clothing.
Heath Dewson
Since moving from Auckland to Perth 4 years ago, one of the things I've missed the least is the weather. In Perth we are more or less guaranteed 5 months of sunshine and hot temperatures through summer. During these 5 months we would be lucky if it rains half a dozen times. In New Zealand you would be lucky to get a full week without any rain or bad weather. This alone will prevent me from ever returning to live in New Zealand. It is just not enjoyable to live in a place where the weather has such a negative effect on lifestyle, and consequently, a happy and optimistic disposition.
Paul Ashcroft
I am suffering from sad. This has been the longest coldest autumn/winter/spring/summer in years! If I do not see the sunshine soon I am going to be beyond grumpy!
Juliana Rickard (Aust)
The rain may be a temporary inconvenience for you in NZ, but spare a thought for us here in Victoria, Australia. We would love a heavy downpour. Our lawns are parched, our shrubs & trees are wilting, our rain catchment areas are below 30 per cent. We have buckets in the shower & catch any grey water we can. There is a wait for rainwater tanks as they are in demand. Any ideas as to how to send your water over to us??
Chris Doherty
After immigrating to Australia (QLD) I have not missed the NZ weather one little bit. We are in the middle of the worst drought in 120 years and I still would not move back to the Shaky Isles for quids. Having said that we have had a couple of mms rain lately.
