Rex Dunlop (69), of Oamaru, marvels at a pohutukawa in full bloom. Photo by Andrew Ashton.
It promises to be a long, hot summer in Oamaru, if the legend of the pohutukawa tree is to be believed.
An early flowering tree is believed to denote a long hot summer, and Rex Dunlop from Oamaru said the pohutukawa tree in his front garden had bloomed slightly earlier than usual, and was now in full bloom.
''It's the best I've seen it in 20 years.
''It's probably been in bloom about a week and-a-half. I was away when it started and when I came home on January 4, it had gone all the way round. It seems to start on one side and then go around. It's looking good.''
