KEY POINTS:
Finally some respite for New Zealand's southern hydro lakes, on the day a major power saving campaign is due to begin.
Heavy rainfall yesterday and this morning has helped to improve the levels of the lakes, in some cases by up to half a metre.
Rain Effects hydrologist, Dave Stewart says it has been almost three months since the lake levels last rose, yet the latest rainfall is likely to increase levels for only a couple of weeks.
He says the rain is still falling over some of the lakes, including Tekapo and Pukaki.
Mr Stewart says the power savings campaign due to start today is still needed.
- NEWSTALK ZB
