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Otago Daily Times
16 hours ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
A warmer winter is on its way
Electricity bills may deliver less of a hammering this winter if Niwa's outlook for the next few months comes to fruition. It shows temperatures from June to August are "very likely" to be warmer than average this winter, meaning fewer cold snaps and frosts than usual. Niwa National Climate Centre forecasting principal scientist Chris Brandolino said El Nino Southern Oscillation (Enso) conditions in the tropical Pacific remained neutral at present, but there were "residual signals" that indicated weak La Nina conditions were persisting. Occasional La Nina-like atmospheric patterns might still emerge over the next three months, he said. "However, international guidance indicates about a 70% chance for the tropical Pacific to remain in an Enso-neutral state over the next three-month period." He said higher-than-normal atmospheric pressure was expected to the east of the country, leading to northeasterly flow anomalies that might shift to a more northwesterly direction towards the end of the three-month period. That means seasonal air temperatures are expected to be above average across all New Zealand regions for the winter season. "While cold snaps and frosts will occur, they are expected to be less frequent than usual." On the West Coast, Southern Alps and foothills, inland Otago, and Southland, temperatures were very likely to be above average, he said. Rainfall totals, soil moisture levels and river flows are about equally likely to be near normal or above normal. Temperatures were also very likely to be above average along coastal Otago, he said. "Rainfall totals are most likely to be in the near normal range, and soil moisture levels and river flows are about equally likely to be near normal or above normal." Mr Brandolino said for the remainder of the calendar year, Enso-neutral conditions were expected to persist. "The guidance available, however, suggests the possibility for La Nina conditions to return by summer 2025-2026." La Nina can bring more northeasterly winds to New Zealand, leading to drier conditions in the south and southwest of the South Island.
Otago Daily Times
17 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Gold Guitars final crowd drawcard
The 50th annual MLT Gold Guitar Awards Senior Finals began impressively last night with a sold-out stadium and a jam-packed lineup of country music's finest. The event is the big finale for the Bayleys Tussock Country music festival, and what a show it promised to be for the 1100 people in attendance. Musicians brought their very best to the Gore Town & Country Club, all vying for their place among New Zealand country music royalty. There were plenty of home-town heroes such as the Mitchell family, with twins Nicola and Maegan competing against their father Ron in the singer/songwriter section. Notably Ron's daughter and the twins' sister Jenny Mitchell won the overall award back in 2017, setting a high watermark for the country music family. Fan favourite Jeremy Hantler, of the Harmonic Resonators, wowed the audience during the Traditional section, with an impressive show of vocal range and control. Australia sent over a bit of strong competition too, in the form of Jon Collins. The grand prize for the Senior category is $3000, a Martin D-28 Satin Acoustic Guitar, a fully produced single and publicity package as well as other prizes to help the winner's career. The winner will also be flown out to the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival to show off the fine work of the Gold Guitars. Finalists and winners were yet to be announced at the time of writing, and convener Phillip Geary said this year it was a strongly contested competition. "It's going to be a very close call this year. "Some years we can see it from the first audition, but this is a lot tighter. The quality is high, very high," he said. Mr Geary had a lot to celebrate, with sold-out shows across the block like the 50th anniversary Golden Guitars show on Thursday, which featured 22 past Gold Guitar winners. Heavy hitters from past and present set a high bar for the competitors, showing exactly what it meant to take up the mantle of winning the award. Mr Geary knew what the Gold Guitars meant for a young musician — a chance to rise the ranks into country music royalty. "This is a steppingstone for anyone who is serious about their career, and their music," he said.
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Otago Daily Times
Steampunkers converge for festival
Oamaru's annual Steampunk Festival goes back in time this weekend, boosting the town's tourism appeal in the process. Steampunk NZ Festival organising committee member Carolyn Lewis said this year's "Circus in Time" theme combined flamboyance and the spectacle of the circus with adventures in time. "Time travel is an iconic Steampunk theme. "The Victorian Era is a key time period for Steampunk fans, and the Victorians absolutely loved a circus — it was an accessible form of entertainment, with the sideshows and associated activities being hugely popular across all classes. "Most of the tickets sold thus far for this year's festival have gone to out-of-towners, including a good chunk of North Island folk. "We also have overseas visitors from Australia and the US." Steampunkers Sir Gideon Steamcrank (Gearlord of the Twisting Spires) aka Carl Yates and James Brian said they were coming to Steampunk weekend with a group from Christchurch. "There is a French girl in our group and an Australian couple who were married in Steampunk and they have come over to be part of the festival for their honeymoon," Mr Brian said. He had been attending the Oamaru Steampunk festival for the past 15 years. Mr Brian had travelled to other Steampunk events around the world including in England, Germany and the Netherlands. He believed the Oamaru event was "world class". Mr Yates said he was a "newbie" attending the festival for the fourth time this year and he was excited for the upcoming event. "We look forward to meeting all the creative, imaginative and eccentric people at the festival," Mr Yates said. The Heritage Precinct in Oamaru was a major factor in the success of the festival, Ms Lewis said. The five-day festival began yesterday and will continue over the King's Birthday weekend to Monday. Tourism Waitaki consumer and trade marketing manager Jade Harvey said the town was generally booked out, with cafes busy and motels full. "Accommodation is usually fully or almost booked out on Steampunk weekend with approximately 90% of attendees visiting from outside of Waitaki with the post-event survey showing that 80% stay for three nights or more. "Although the festival is concentrated in Oamaru, the majority of attendees are from out of town and are choosing to stay for most, if not all, of the long weekend."
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Otago Daily Times
Breath alcohol level five times over limit
A 31-year-old man's long weekend holiday was cut short almost before it even started when he was caught driving while five times over the legal breath alcohol limit. A police spokeswoman said the man had been driving from Christchurch and was on his way to Invercargill when he was stopped by Oamaru police about 5.20pm yesterday. Officers in Oamaru were notified by a member of the public about a vehicle driving dangerously on State Highway 1 north of Oamaru. "A police unit saw the vehicle on the main street of Oamaru and signalled the vehicle to stop. "The 31-year-old man, driving from Christchurch to Invercargill, returned a breath alcohol result over five times the legal limit." The man was arrested and charged with excess breath alcohol. He is due to appear in court at a later date. Police thanked the member of the public who reported the man's driving behaviour. As a result of the incident being so early in the King's Birthday Holiday weekend, Southern Police called on motorists to be responsible and drive safely on what is one of the busier holidays of the year. "Police know there are four factors that can lead to fatalities and serious injuries on our roads — restraints, impairment through alcohol and drugs, distractions and speed. "Motorists are urged to take greater responsibility on our roads and ensure everyone in their vehicle is able to reach their destination safely." Police urged motorists to contact them immediately if they witnessed unsafe driving behaviour.
Otago Daily Times
3 days ago
- Climate
- Otago Daily Times
MetService issues gale warnings for much of the South
Forget about wearing a hat today — you are likely to lose it. The severe overnight gales are expected to peak this morning, reaching speeds of up to 130kmh in exposed areas around the Otago and Southland coastlines. MetService has upgraded its earlier strong wind watch to an Orange warning for southern Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin, and there is a possibility it may be upgraded further to a Red warning. "The strongest winds are expected overnight Friday and Saturday morning and spreading over inland areas," a MetService spokesman said. "Squally thunderstorms are also possible near the coast." Moderate to moderately high storm tides were also expected until this evening, on the Otago coast. He said the wind could cause damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, and driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles. The wind warning would remain in place until at least 3pm today. MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said the gales were being caused by a strong west-to-southwest flow which was affecting the entire country. But for the lower South Island, the winds were also dragging cooler temperatures, showers, and snow falling as low as 600m. "This will be welcome news for avid skiers and snowboarders, but is likely to affect alpine roads in the South Island." NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi spokesman Jarrod Booker said those planning on going to another destination this morning for a King's Birthday Weekend holiday should take extra care when driving. As well as the severe gales, snow was affecting some of the higher roads inland. "Road snowfall warnings have been issued for Lindis Pass, Crown Range Rd and Milford Rd, with 10cm-15cm potentially settling on Milford Rd above 800m. "Motorists are urged to adjust their speeds and following distances to the conditions, and to plan ahead and be prepared for any delays." Yesterday, Naseby got an early taste of the wintry conditions when snow settled on the streets of the Central Otago town and covered roads on the outskirts. The snow closed the Danseys Pass Rd to all but four-wheel drive vehicles, from the gates past the Danseys Pass Hotel. That followed rain and sub-zero temperatures around the Maniototo and Ida Valley areas. Fulton Hogan said drivers should continue to be wary of road conditions in the area, slow down and be cautious on bridge decks and shaded areas, where ice may have formed. The weather is forecast to be calmer and clearer tomorrow, but still cool.
