When did we have the longest drought in Waikato?
In the photo above, facing the mountain – Kaimai pass Te Aroha on a bright sunny day. Te Aroha is about 32 minutes away from Eureka, toward to Waihi Beach is about 1 hour and 10 minutes or a bit align toward to west – Waihi township is about 59 minutes.
This year I noticed our grass on the large section – 1 acre property, was showing signs of brown patches in some areas. This is the first time we have not received any rain even showers back to 24th December 2018 (received 45mm-50mm), BUT we did receive around 25mm of heavy showers back in 14th January. We are not in danger of losing water from the tank via the District Council. I am careful when using the water for the garden and vegetable gardens. I choose the right shrubs in the garden that does not require a lot of water.
Here is the note from the Waikato District Council, showing that the last time farmers faced long drought back in 2007 and 2008.
Recent examples of drought in the Waikato region include:
- 2007- 2008: A drought event lasted from November 2007 to April 2008, during which the Waikato experienced its driest January in a century. A shortage of feed caused by the drought increased the price of silage to four times its normal rate. The cost of the drought was believed to be $1.5 billion to the Dairy sector alone. The economic effect of the drought was one of the factors that threw New Zealand’s economy into recession by mid 2008.
- 2009: The Waikato experienced a dry spring, the effects of which were compounded by the previous drought of 2007-2008.
- 2010: Waikato had two dry springs, which resulted in a double drought. The drought led to the owners of the Waikato River hydro scheme, Might River Power, announcing a 10 per cent drop in hydro production for the December quarter. Dairy farmers were estimated to have lost an average $100,000- $150,00 in income over the previous three years due to consecutive drought events. http://www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/services/regional-services/regional-hazards-and-emergency-management/droughts/
We moved here in Eureka in November 2014, and we did not have a long drought, and I planned carefully by choosing the right shrubs and trees for the next 5-20 years. Because we have experience growing up on the farm or living near the rural country in our childhoods. Only one little accident due to the order of camellia hedges last month and I planted these camellia hedges without thinking about putting in pots until Autumn. Mm, now I am using hand watering from 4 buckets every 2-3 days depending on the heat. Lesson learnt.
Our neighbours who are dairy farmers, surrounding here, facing the worst drought than anyone else around the North Island but we don’t really know yet.
Praying for the rain to come……
Life in Eureka 