A fire at Tangoio in January 2020, at the time of a devastating heatwave and bushfires in Australia. The hottest temperature in Hawke's Bay that month was 36.3C in Wairoa. Photo / NZMEA fire at Tangoio in January 2020, at the time of a devastating heatwave and bushfires in Australia. The hottest temperature in Hawke's Bay that month was 36.3C in Wairoa. Wotherspoon said forecasts of temperatures in New Zealand into the mid-30s are “unusual” and come with an elevated fire risk.

Source: New Zealand Herald January 06, 2026 19:08 UTC