Coldest snap in 42 years hits Rotorua

It's the coldest it's been in 42 years in Rotorua.

Yesterday's maximum temperature of 5.9C was the lowest since at least 1964 and possibly since records began, Springfield weatherman Brian Holden said. The next lowest maximum daily temperature was recorded in June 1976 at 6.2C.

Mr Holden said the normal temperature for June was 8.3C, but so far June 2006's average temperature was sitting at 6.8C.

"This could be one of the coldest Junes we have ever had on record," he said.



Mamaku School office administrator Sandy Carroll said it had been freezing cold in the settlement about 20km northeast of Rotorua yesterday, with heavy sleet falling at least three times.

"The children have been excited all day watching the snowflakes. They have been sitting around the fire since they arrived," she said.

At least one youngster at the school was praying for a heavy dosing of the white stuff when he woke up this morning, Mrs Carroll said. "He says he is going to go hunting for the snow and is planning on piling it up in front of his door so his family is snowed in and he can stay home," she said.

At Okere Falls, Whangamarino Primary School sent its pupils home early. Children had a short lunch break and were released early, deputy principal Tiria Haylock said.

The wintry blast also brought a dusting of snow to Mt Tauhara near Taupo yesterday.

Motorists heading to Napier along State Highway 5 got the best view as they waited for the road to be reopened. Snow closed the Desert Rd and State Highway 5 between Taupo and the State Highway 2 junction near Whirinaki. Southerlies of up to 65km/h were expected to hit Taupo today.

A Rotorua hunter who didn't want to be identified said he was at the southern end of South Rd when he and his hunting companion thought they had taken a step into wonderland.

"We thought it was frost at first but as we got closer we realised it was snow hanging on the ponga. It was a spectacular sight," he said.