Night's frost 'longest-lasting for six years'

Orchardists and grapegrowers were assessing damage after Hawke's Bay experienced what is believed to have been its longest-lasting night of frost since 1999.

Johnny Appleseed operations manager Len Thompson said they had to start windmills and water protection on some of the company's 700 acres as early as 9.45pm.

All grapegrowers and orchardists spoken to today said it was the longest-lasting frost in at least six years.

"The issue was with the petrol. The tanks weren't big enough for them to be able to run right through the night," Mr Thompson.

"We've been hit fairly hard in some parts but it is too early to tell, although there is certainly frost damage," he said.

Hawke's Bay summerfruit sector chairman Brian Fulford said he had not heard of any summerfruit orchardists suffering damage.

Hawke's Bay's grapegrowers were quietly confident this morning that they had largely won the battle for their fruit.

Association president Chris Howell said the worst hit wouldn't have frost-fighting systems in place, or they would have consciously decided not to get in a helicopter.

"There will be some damage in early blocks, particularly those without frost protection, but I don't expect it to be severe or extensive."

The big chill set in early.

"In a lot of parts of the Bay it started at 7.30pm, which is extremely early," Mr Howell said.

"Normally, it is after midnight or at 4 to 5am."

While anticipating a very hard frost, Mr Howell said it didn't get severe on his Maraekakaho Road vineyard. However, the temperature did dip as low as -2C in Korokipo, Te Mata and Mangateretere roads.

Another frost may hit tonight but the grapegrowers are hoping it won't be as bad.

- HAWKE'S BAY TODAY