Many parts of New Zealand have had a wetter than usual start to 2018, following on from a drier than usual end to 2017 which saw droughts announced.

The results of our latest week-long poll show a large portion of New Zealand still needs rain.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says regions like Southland, Manawatu and Gisborne could all do with more rain. Some parts of Taranaki, Waikato, Hokianga and a small portion of Canterbury could also do with a top up.

42% of those who took part in our online poll said they need more rain. Broken down we find 11% are “desperate” for rain while 31% say they “need a bit more”.

But the majority with 52% said they were “OK for now”.

Autumn’s weather pattern tends to bring wet weather into more northern and western areas and drier weather to the east, due to tropical weather peaking now and increasing westerly flows across New Zealand.

– WeatherWatch.co.nz Weekly Polls