PREDICT WEATHER.COM

KEN RING: WEATHER BY THE MOON AUCKLAND WEATHER DIARY, AUGUST 2021

August is likely to be drier than average, sunnier, and with below average temperatures. The first week is the sunniest but coolest and with the highest pressure, the second and last weeks are the wettest, and the fourth week is the warmest. Millibars should average around 1017. Most rain may be around the beginning of the second week. The 14th/15th could be the best weekend for outdoor activities.

For fishers, the highest tides are around 25th. The best fishing bite-times in the east are around dusk on 7th- 9th, and 21st- 23rd. Chances are also good for around noon of 1st-2nd, 14th-16th, and 28th-31st.

For gardeners, pruning is best between 1st-5th and 24th-31st (waning moon descending), and sowing is best between 10th-18th (waxing moon ascending). For preserving and longer shelf-life, pick crops or flowers on neap tide days of 3rd and 18th.

Always allow 24-hour error for all forecasting. (KEN RING)  PN

For future weather for any date, and the 2021 NZ Weather Almanac, see www.predictweather.com

Opinions expressed in Ponsonby News are not always the opinion of Alchemy Media Limited & Ponsonby News.

OBITUARY: ANDY SMITH - COMMUNITY ADVOCATE, MUSICIAN, CREATIVE CHANGE-MAKER AND FRIEND

Our dear friend and colleague on the ‘Ponsonby Park’ Community-Led Design group died unexpectedly at home, on Thursday 8 July.

His life-celebration was held at the Purewa Chapel, on Saturday 17 July. Dancing, live music, colourful garlands and eccentric head-dresses welcomed everyone upon arrival. It was a perfect start to the event as Andy, who long ago had decided to work towards making the world a better place, had determined to always have fun doing so.

He was a true community champion and knew, as do all those working for change, that it is a long haul and not a quick trip. His focus was primarily local, but he also had an international influence through many organisations, roles, and connections that had built up over decades of advocacy work. He was a dedicated visionary and a gentleman, described during the service as a real magician: he was always creating a new path and he looked at life from many perspectives. He will be sorely missed.

Photography: Jennifer Ward