Greener pastures after recent rain, but more needed in some areas

A month ago much of the country was gasping for rain and yet, just few weeks on, greener pastures and full water tanks have returned, but not all areas have received the rain they need.

WeatherWatch said Auckland had received 235mm of rain in the past month, a "staggering'' figure considering the region was in drought in April.

Hamilton had 230mm of rain since April 15, Nelson about 200mm, Tauranga more than 325mm - half of which fell over a 24-hour period - and Wellington about 150mm.

"Some big rainmakers moved in during the last month and delivered the rain that so many areas needed,'' weather analyst Richard Green said

"One issue in a couple of instances was that there was too much all at once.''

However, elsewhere in the country farmers were still frustrated by a lack of rain while surrounding areas received a soaking.

The South Island, with the exception of Nelson and Marlborough, hadn't seen such generous amounts of rain particularly the southern half of the South island.

Central Hawkes Bay, Gisborne and parts of the Central Plateau also needed more rain.

"There are still pockets here and there over the North Island that need a further 50 to 100mm-plus but they appear to be in the minority at this point,'' Mr Green said.

The weather for week ahead looked to be changeable and wet for much of the country.

"Hopefully no major totals will fall over a short period of time as we've seen recently,'' he said.