The latest rainfall in Gisborne appears to have fallen short of predictions after MetService weather warnings over the region were lifted.
An orange heavy rainfall warning was in place for 16 hours across the region until 8am Wednesday, with up to 100mm predicted from the sub-tropical weather system.
The standout falls recorded in the 24 hours to 2pm Wednesday on the council’s rain gauges included — Whareratas 65mm, Ruatoria 56mm, Hikuwai 61mm, Te Puia 71mm, East Cape Lighthouse 47mm, Mangaheia 40mm, Wharekahika 35mm, Puketoro 45mm, Pouawa 43mm, Tokomaru Bay 63mm.
The likes of Ngatapa got 25mm, Waimata 34mm, Poverty Bay flats 16mm, Gisborne City between 14 and 21mm, and the airport 17mm over the same period.
“It’s been welcome rain across the district, filling water tanks and giving gardens a good drink,” Tairawhiti Civil Defence said on social media yesterday.
The council reported the rain in the city did not overload the wastewater system and the emergency sewage discharge valves remained closed.
“An early morning shower or two, then clearing to fine,” was the MetService prediction for Thursday.
A few showers have been forecast for Saturday, but no other rain at this stage through until Tuesday.
The daytime temperatures look good, too, with a high of 25C Thursday, 24C Friday, 27C Saturday, 26C Sunday, and 23C both Monday and Tuesday.
The district remains in an open fire season.
Fire and Emergency NZ community risk manager Trudi Hicklin said yesterday she could not see the district returning to fire restrictions at this stage.
“We’re getting consistent rain and that’s keeping the fire risk down,” Hicklin said.
“It will need to get really dry again for Fenz to consider a return to a restricted fire season.”
Limited entries still open for First Light Marathon
There are still a limited number of late entries available for the First Light Marathon in Gisborne this Saturday.
It will be the third First Light Marathon to be held in Gisborne organised by Albatros Adventure Marathons based in Denmark.
There are 359 runners in total with 123 doing the full marathon, 185 doing the half and 51 doing the 6km fun run.
Of that number, there will be 72 international runners who are staying in Gisborne for five days and doing the additional tourism package including a powhiri at Ohako Marae.
Interested people are advised to sign up downstairs at the Trust Tairāwhiti offices on Friday between 6pm and 8pm.
NZTA reschedules SH2 south closures
NZTA/Waka Kotahi postponed scheduled overnight work this week on State Highway 2 south of Wairoa due to rain.
The closures were rescheduled for Wednesday, Thursday and Friday night after originally being planned for Tuesday and Wednesday night.
It involves work between the Ohinepaaka Stream and the Waihua River south of Wairoa.
The highway closure at that point runs from 8pm to 5am each night.
“We apologise for the short notice change,“ an NZTA spokesman said.
“We want to thank road users and [the] local community for their understanding.”
EIT enrolment/info day
EIT Tairāwhiti is running an Information and Enrolment Day on Thursday which will offer an opportunity to explore the diverse range of study options available.
It runs from 9am to 6pm at the EIT Tairāwhiti Campus in Gisborne.
“EIT provides a variety of qualifications, from certificates and diplomas to degrees and postgraduate programmes, with flexible study options including full-time and part-time learning,” said campus manager Waata Shepherd.
“The event today is a great opportunity for the community to explore their options and take a step toward their future.“
“This day is all about helping people of all ages find the right study path — whether they’re looking to upskill, switch careers, or take on a new challenge.”
