The toitoi's have got it right

The Maoris say that big strong toitoi flowers are a sign of a long hot Summer.

So far that is certainly true.

More than half of the days in January have been 30 degrees plus and we haven't had rain for 3 weeks.

The whole of NZ is heading for its lowest ever January rainfall, with droughts and water restrictions in many areas.

Over the top of this toitoi's bush is Mt Isabel, still bathed in sunshine at 9.20pm.