From a quick straw poll of some of those who were going from Fins UWH - we might be lucky to get one team together! 

SEVERE STORM HEADING TOWARDS THE NORTH ISLAND

MetService is concerned about the potential wind, wave and rain impacts from a rapidly intensifying subtropical depression heading quickly towards New Zealand. This depression, currently off the Queensland
coast, should follow a path close to Northland and Auckland on Saturday and Bay of Plenty and Gisborne on Sunday. It has the capacity to bring hazardous weather to many parts of the North Island.

"By the time this system reaches northern New Zealand on Saturday, it is likely to have significant destructive potential", commented Peter Kreft of MetService. "Damaging gales and/or very heavy downpours are possible in many North Island areas. At this early stage, it is too close to call which places will catch the worst of the storm."

Besides the threat to land areas, many parts of the North Island coast and surrounding seas are likely to be dangerous places at some point in the coming weekend. Very strong winds are likely to generate treacherous sea conditions.

Mr Kreft added "Given the potentially serious nature of this weather event, people are encouraged to keep abreast of the latest weather information on www.metservice.com".   (OR METCONNECT IN YOUR
CASE...<PFisher>)

 For further information please contact:

  Peter Kreft        Manager Public Weather Services          (04) 4700 806