NZ headed for drought?

Dry season hits Otago river levels

Radio NZ,

7 November, 2013

Farmers and other irrigators in Otago are being asked to start conserving water as warm, dry weather reduces flows in the region's rivers.

Otago Regional Council says irrigators should prepare for potential water rationing, with dry weather predicted for the summer.

It says the Kakanui, Shag, Taieri, Manuherikia and Pomahaka rivers are already at low levels not normally seen until late in the season.

The council says if there's no substantial rain soon, rationing could begin as early as this month.

It says farmers should manage their irrigation as efficiently as possible.

Akaroa water restrictions start

Radio NZ,

7 December, 2013

Water restrictions are beginning in Akaroa as people start to arrive in the Banks Peninsula town for summer.

Restrictions in force from Saturday allow odd-numbered street addresses to water outdoors on odd-numbered days, and even-numbered addresses on even-numbered days.

Christchurch City Council says the growth in the town's population during summer can place strains on the stream-fed water supply.

The council says the limits may need to be increased at some point over summer, has has happened in previous years.