The drought began early this year. Before January was even half-over, Auckland, Kaipara and Whangārei were already registering on the National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research’s drought index.
By February six more districts had joined them, rising to a peak of 35 districts by 1 March - almost the entire North Island and large parts of Canterbury and Marlborough.
Karyn speaks with Kate Newton about her latest article Beyond reasonable drought: New Zealand's climate future.
Photo: RNZ / Vinay Ranchhod
