Waikato regional economic profile - Waikato Regional Council

Three areas of the Waikato region have high rainfall. The Coromandel Peninsulaexperiences consistent annual rainfall over 3000 mm and sometimes in excess of 4500mm, the Waitomo/Kaawhia area is exposed to moist winds from both the south andnorth west, and the alpine area of the Tongariro National Park experiences high rainfalland very cold temperatures. 312The lower Waikato lowlands and the Hauraki Plains are sheltered to the east by theKaimai and Coromandel Ranges and to the south by the central North Island plateau.These areas experience the least rainfall but many frosts and fogs. Similarly, Taupōand the Reporoa Valley receive less than average rainfall, as they are sheltered by theHauhungaroa Range and the Paeroa Range respectively. 3136.3 LandFigure 100: Average annual rainfall in the Waikato region 314Climate scientists estimate that Waikato's temperature could be up to 3° Celsiuswarmer over the next 70-100 years. This compares to a temperature increase in NewZealand during last century of about 0.7° Celsius. 315Waikato could be up to 20 per cent wetter with more varied rainfall patterns andflooding could become up to four times as frequent by 2070. 316Waikato is the fourth largest region in New Zealand, covering 25,000 squarekilometres. It stretches from the Hunua Ranges and Port Waikato in the north down tothe Kaimai Range and Mt Ruapehu in the south, and from Mokau on the west coastacross to the Coromandel Peninsula in the east. 317312Waikato Regional Council (2010, p. 14).313Waikato Regional Council (2010, p. 14).314Waikato Regional Council (2010, p. 14).315Ministry for the Environment (2008) How might climate change affect my region? Climate change in Waikato.316Ministry for the Environment (2008) How might climate change affect my region? Climate change in Waikato.317Waikato Regional Council (2010, p. 14).Page 90 Doc #: 2069885