Joyful Christmas Spirit Prevails Despite Uncertain Weather, Say Mayors

Christmas Day rain is anticipated in various parts of the country, but ample enjoyment is still expected.
Photo: RNZ/Calvin Samuel

According to Met Service, intense thunderstorm occurrences have diminished in Canterbury, though there remains a possibility of additional thunderstorms this evening.

Met Service indicates that intense thunderstorm occurrences have decreased in Canterbury, however, a chance for further thunderstorms persists this evening.

Severe thunderstorm alerts for certain areas of the region were rescinded at 5 PM.

Nevertheless, a severe thunderstorm advisory, which encompasses the Canterbury High Country, North and Central Otago, Southern Lakes, Dunedin, Clutha, Southland, and Fiordland, is still active until eight o’clock tonight.

MetService cautioned that there could be recurring showers and severe thunderstorms, coupled with a moderate risk of heavy rains, which may lead to surface or flash flooding.

For the most recent alerts, refer to MetService’s continual updates.

The new weather warnings followed earlier predictions of rain or showers throughout Christmas Day for many regions in the country, with several mayors asserting that the damp forecast would not hinder Christmas Day festivities.

Forecasters from MetService issued a Heavy Rain Warning effective from early morning on Boxing Day for Gisborne-Tairāwhiti, and Hawke’s Bay north of Napier.

Up to 130mm of rainfall is anticipated, potentially more in localized regions, alongside the possibility of thunderstorms. This situation suggests that streams and rivers may rise swiftly, and flooding and landslides could occur.

A thunderstorm advisory was also announced during Christmas Day for several parts of the South Island until 8 PM on the 25th. It covers inland Canterbury, northern and inland Otago, Dunedin, Southland, Clutha, Fiordland, and the Southern Lakes District, which might experience rainfall up to 40mm per hour.

MetService advised residents in these regions to remain alert for potential worsening weather circumstances.

On Christmas Day, rain was expected to arrive in the morning on the western side of the South Island, spreading eastwards by the afternoon. In the North Island, rain was forecast for the afternoon in western areas, reaching the remainder of the North Island later in the day.

It’s going to be a fantastic day – mayors

Vince Cocurullo, the mayor of Whangārei, remains undeterred by the Christmas Day forecast.

“I regard everything that MetService states with a grain of salt,” he remarked.

“There are instances when they predict rain, and then it’s exceptionally sunny, and there are moments when they forecast lovely weather, and it ends up raining.”

He further noted that Whangārei has experienced an influx of visitors during the Christmas season, which is a relief after years of road troubles through the Brynderwyn Hills.

Vince Cocurullo, the mayor of Whangārei.
Photo: RNZ / Peter de Graaf

“There are numerous people heading up north, as I live on the state highway, I can see many travelers going north,” he commented.

“Over the past four years, we have faced numerous challenges, so this year having a clear route to the north is truly remarkable.”

Craig Jepson, the mayor of Kaipara District, shared a similar positive outlook.

“Christmas is a time when the weather doesn’t matter; you can relish it while enjoying the company of friends and family,” he stated.

“It appears it’ll be pleasant in the morning, thus I believe people will adapt to the weather, head to the beach, take a swim, refresh themselves in the morning, and then enjoy some Christmas food and cheer in the afternoon, so however it goes, they will have a delightful day, I am sure.”

In the meantime, regions on the eastern coast, such as Gisborne, are likely to experience the finest weather that New Zealand has to provide.

MetService forecasts Gisborne to reach 28 degrees on Christmas Day.

“We are savoring every moment; if there’s a place in the country that deserves the finest weather, it’s Gisborne,” asserted Mayor Rehette Stoltz, referencing the catastrophic storms of 2023.

“Things are undeniably improving; we have accomplished so much, and I am extremely proud of our achievements… Everyone deserves a fantastic holiday this summer, and the beautiful weather coming our way is a wonderful bonus and is richly deserved.”

Rehette Stoltz, the mayor of Gisborne
Photo: RNZ / Tom Kitchin

She noted that the town is bustling during the Christmas season, with Rhythm and Vines upcoming.

“I have been in and out of town over the past two days, and it’s thriving with vibrant energy. I’ve met visitors from outside town; we are observing a significant number of visitors coming to our area as they all recognize it has the finest weather in the country,” Stoltz added.

“It’s remarkable; we need everyone to lend their support and help us restore our economy to what it was before the dreadful 2023, and we can only achieve this if people come to visit us and assist our local enterprises.”