Helicopters sent up over Hawke's Bay at night as growers try to beat away frosts

Hawke's Bay Fruitgrowers Association president, Ben James, says frost protection is a vital part of the growing season. Photo / Duncan Brown

Helicopters have been buzzing across Hawke's Bay over the past few nights, as orchardists with flowering crops try to keep them warm.

President of Hawke's Bay Fruit Growers Association Ben James says frost control is a normal process for this time of year.

"The last two years we've actually had quite a reduced amount of frosts to what some might call normal.

"Probably the most common one around Hawke's Bay is wind machines, there's other practices that orchardists use like keeping the grass short and their grass strips clean.

"There's been a few helicopters out and about the last few nights."

However, within a fortnight of Labour weekend, orchardists and their neighbours will both be able to sleep a little easier.

"Within a fortnight of Labour weekend we sort of get out of the risk period, and we stop protecting from frosts."

He said while there have been noise complaints on occasions, growers were normally good about communicating with their neighbours.

"That's probably the first point of call in any instance, that if there is an issue, neighbours and growers should be talking together about how they can minimise or mitigate the impact on their surroundings."

He said frost protection was a vital part of the growing season.

"By doing it properly we ensure we've got a premium class one product to export around the world."

Niwa's principal forecaster Chris Brandolino said while frosts this late in the season might be a little unusual, it was not unheard of.

"Spring is the season of de-regular temperatures, you'll find periods of cold weather and periods of warm weather.

"If this was, say mid, or late November, then I would say that's quite unusual."

MetService meteorologist Mark Dowd said it was unlikely Hawke's Bay would be seeing any more frosts this week.

He said a ridge of high pressure meant temperatures would be warmer, with overnight temperatures sitting around 9-10C.