The Country - Gita edition

Satellite views of cyclone Gita. Photo / Alex Burton

Today The Country takes a closer look at ex-tropical Cyclone Gita with Ben Noll and Andy Thompson.

On with the show:

Ben Noll:

Niwa's forecaster says ex-tropical Cyclone Gita is the second of the season (Fehi was the first) which means we are officially "above average" – the long-term normal is one per year to pass near NZ. We also preview some of the wind and rain numbers likely to buffet New Zealand.

Steve Maharey:

Is a former Labour Cabinet Minister and Vice Chancellor of Massey University who previews Agri Investment Week which is coming up in the farming capital of New Zealand.

Blair McLean:

Our Marlborough-based viticulture correspondent comments on how Cyclone Gita could affect the region, just a few weeks short of harvest.

Winston Peters:

The Deputy PM can't comment on the National Party leadership but he has his say on the performance of the New Zealand economy and Bill English's role in it.

Andy Thompson:

We head to the West Coast where Cyclone Gita is set to cause some serious issues! Our long time dairy correspondent puts on his Civil Defense Controller's hat.

Listen below: