Āhuarangi
-
Āhuarangi broadly refers to climate and climate related conditions. In the context of Matarau, it encompasses things like temperature, rainfall, wind, greenhouse gases etc.
Understanding climate patterns for your whenua is important for understanding what type of development may or not be suitable for the whenua, both now and into the future.
-
Temperature is an important consideration when thinking about your whenua. It plays a crucial role in understanding what plants can grow, and the health of your taiao. The temperature of the air and the whenua influences:
-
soil chemistry and biology
-
affects plant reproduction
-
controls the rate of water evaporation.
-
This data separates subtropical regions from cooler, more temperate areas of the motu.
Good crops differ between warm and cool climates. Warmer areas enable more, easier production despite increased fungal and bacterial risks. It highlights areas ideal for warm and cool climate crops based on your whenua.
-
-
How to use this data safely
-
The map used to separate warm and cool climates is regional scale (1:50,000 which is equivalent to 10 hectare “smallest area” units). For more distinction when near the threshold between warm and cool climate zones it is important to seek professional advice and collect site-specific microclimate data before investing in high-value climate-sensitive horticultural crops.
The data comes from the Manaaki Whenua Land environments of New Zealand (LENZ) dataset and was uploaded in 2010. Data was collected at various times at various scales. Data reproduced with the permission of Manaaki Whenua Landcare Research.
-
-
Frost forms when water vapour turns to ice on surfaces when the temperature is below 0ºC.
Frost can impact plants differently. Light frosts can kill or damage delicate plants like tomatoes, vines, and potatoes. Hardier plants like root vegetables or leafy greens often handle frost better.
This data comes from NIWA weather stations. The station may be located higher up or further inland than your area, so the values might not be accurate, especially if you’re near the coast.
-
A drought is a prolonged period of abnormally low rainfall. Understanding the risk of drought on your whenua helps whānau to consider and plan for:
-
the right amount of moisture for your plants and soil
-
access to other water sources (if required)
-
extra irrigation for plants or pasture
-
assessing and monitoring water quality.
-
-
-
How to use this data safely
-
The map used to separate droughty and summer safe areas is a very broad map (it is a national scale distinction), with a spatial resolution of 0.05 deg x 0.05 deg. For more distinction when near the threshold between droughty and summer safe areas, it is important to seek professional advice and collect site-specific microclimate and soils data before investing in high-value climate sensitive horticultural crops.
The data is sourced from the Whitiwhiti Ora Pasture - annual potential evapotranspiration deficit under pasture (to mid and end of century) dataset (version 1.0).
-
-
Rainfall plays a crucial role in supporting healthy soil and plant life. It provides plants with:
-
the water they need to grow
-
help to regulate their temperature
-
support in absorbing nutrients and developing strong cells.
Consistent rainfall helps maintain soil moisture levels, which is important for our crops and pastures.
The amount and timing of rainfall is also important. Too little rain can lead to drought, stressing plants and reducing yields. Too much rain can waterlog the soil and reduce access for whānau.
-
The sun supplies energy as heat and light, which plants rely on for growth and reproduction. The amount of sunlight your whenua receives influences:
- the rate of evaporation from the soil
- boosting transpiration
- the growth and yield of your plants or crops.
-
ShareYour PDF is processing
Your PDF will download to this device shortly. It can take up to a minute on a slow connection. Please do not close your browser.