Much of the North Island is expected to bathe in sunshine over the next couple of days, providing some relief after the storms that caused flooding and damage. But clear skies will see the mercury drop.
As heavy rain and gale-force winds eased off yesterday, many were still counting the cost of the storm. Among them was former league international Richie Barnett whose restored caravan at Matarangi was crushed by a falling tree.
![Richie Barnett.](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/5WOOOT6BP2AS3E4JQLLJ3ZU26E.jpg?auth=1e1545ecb4bf37cd2f915b74fd7a4e4419a016e54e63c98ed37d35de442ece47&width=16&height=11&quality=70&smart=true)
"The kids loved playing in it, and sometimes they'd sleep there when we're at the bach. It was really well looked after," he said.
"You can't replace something like that."