Around the country, the impact of this extremely dry long summer is reflected in the drought conditions already declared or about to be declared, and the number of areas with a total fire ban.
In the Waikato town of Te Awamutu, volunteer firefighters are frustrated at the disregard for the fire restrictions in place despite there being a total fire ban in place in the Waipa district as well as severe water restrictions in place.
Te Awamutu firefighter Karl Tutty speaks with Karyn Hay.
Photo: supplied
