Photo: Supplied / Earth Sciences NZ2025 was the country's fourth-hottest year on record, according to Earth Sciences New Zealand's (ESNZ) annual climate report. The highest air temperature of the year was 35.6 degrees recorded at Kawerau on 7 December. The organisation has recorded the annual temperature at seven weather stations across the country since 1909. The crown for the region with the highest annual sunshine went to Taranaki with 2743 hours recorded at New Plymouth. Photo: Supplied / Earth Sciences NZSea temperatures were also on the rise.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 08, 2026 04:04 UTC