Across the Tasman it's a very different story, where Australia's "dome of heat" has become so intense the temperatures are off the charts - literally.
The Bureau of Meteorology's weather forecasting chart has added new colours - deep purple and pink - to extend its previous temperature range that had been capped at 50C.
The range now extends to 54C - well above the all-time record temperature of 50.7C recorded on January 2, 1960, at Oodnadatta Airport in South Australia.
Firefighters battled more than 100 wildfires across the southeast of the country this week, with more than 20 deemed out of control.
In Tauranga the fire risk is sitting between high and extreme, which is about standard for this time of year.
Thankfully our fire brigades have not had to deal with anything nearing the infernos raging in New South Wales.
However, the devastation caused by these fires is a good reminder that fire restrictions are in place here and they need to be respected.
Permits are required for all outside fires in rural areas until the end of April and those who light fires in rural areas that get out of control could be liable for the costs of extinguishing them.
Given that forecasters are predicting the hot weather will continue through to February, conditions are only going to get drier and the risk of scrub fires will increase.
In tinder-dry conditions, scrub fires can sweep across the landscape, putting homes and lives at risk and - for this reason alone - extra caution is needed.
