Editorial: Cyclone to get mixed reception

Big swells expected off Napier as cyclone Pam gets closer. Photo / Paul Taylor

American songwriter Tom Lehrer said bad weather always looks worse through a window.

It's a nice observation. Glass has a habit of magnifying the tempest.

But what's debatable is the definition of bad weather.

Yesterday there were numerous definitions being bandied about.

The conjecture was courtesy of Tropical Cyclone Pam bearing down the Pacific with gusto. Her arrival may, or may not, bring serious rain and gales at the weekend and early next week.

Understandably, many in this province are worried.

In particular, Horse of the Year organisers are praying Pam decides to snub us. And who can blame them. About 2500 horses will descend on Hastings between now and Monday.

The equine ilk are joined in the anti-Pam sentiment by organisers of this weekend's big events, namely the Hohepa Fair, the Meeanee Speedway meet, Kids Fishing Day, St Joseph's Maori Girls' College Gala, Tremains Triathlon and world cup cricket punters at McLean Park.

But there's a flipside.

Their consternation yesterday came on the same day Hawke's Bay Regional Council met with Federated Farmers, fruit growers and other affected parties to ponder our drought status.

If there's not enough of the wet stuff soon, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy may declare an official drought.

Every weekend for the past three months I've mown my turf in a dust storm; luckily my lawn's not my livelihood.

The men and women of the land are doing it tough.

As of last night, the weather boffins were predicting Pam would miss us by a slender margin. If she does visit - she's in for a mixed reception.