Makorori was a hive of surfing activity on Thursday as the district enjoys some glorious autumn weather. But rain would be welcomed by the rural sector, as over the last three months the region has received rainfall levels well below the average.
The Gisborne and East Coast region is heading into winter with a soil moisture deficit after a third dry month in a row.
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) monitoring shows the Gisborne Flats and coastal strip are the most affected areas, with the current deficit around 110mm.
Fire crews were called to Tremaine Ave at 4am to tackle the blaze.
