Kiwis will soon gain an extra 20 minutes of sunlight

First signs of spring are here - that means we're out of the gloom. Photo / Getty Images

Longer days and shorter nights are finally here.

Each night that passes is getting about a few minutes shorter.

"We have passed the half-way point in our winter and we are seeing signs of spring," said Philip Duncan of WeatherWatch.

"Each week in September, New Zealanders gain an extra 20 minutes of sunlight. This means well over an hour of daylight is gained in just one month.

"Then daylight saving begins on September 27 and we instantly gain another hour of sunlight - at the end of the day anyway."

Feedback to the WeatherWatch website had shown people were finding the winter depressing.

"However, the days are now getting longer and spring tends to be brighter, warmer and full of new life," he said.

"In our poll of readers, 90 per cent say they can't wait for the new season."

However, Mr Duncan said he was surprised by the results of another poll - conducted in late February - which asked: what is you favourite season?

Autumn was preferred by 36 per cent, summer by 34 per cent, spring by 18 per cent and 11 per cent chose winter as their favourite season.