Record Warm

New Zealand has had its warmest decade since records began 150 years ago. National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) climate scientist James Renwick said there are plenty of causes. “Natural variations, such as El Nino and volcanic eruptions, play quite a role,” Renwick said. “That’s what made the 1990s cool in a lot of places, especially New Zealand.” Tauranga was the country’s warmest city last month, while Christchurch was the driest and Dunedin the coolest.