August 1966: August was a cold month, with an unusually high frequency of southeasterly winds. In eastern districts fairly persistent cloud and rain, especially during the last week, made conditions unsuitable for lambing. Losses occurred in Hawkes Bay and Canterbury. In northern and western districts it was comparatively sunny, with better conditions for lambing. On the 25th a fierce south-easterly gale caused considerable damage on the West Coast and in Wellington.
   
Rainfall: Rainfall was less than 3/4 of the average value over the greater part of the South Island, and totals were quite negligible in parts of Central Otago. However, in Canterbury it was mainly about 50% above average; and on the Kaikoura Coast and in parts of North Canterbury it was more than double the average value. On account of the high frequency of southeasterly winds over the period May-August, the total rainfall on the west coast of the South Island during these 4 months was unusually low, particularly in Fiordland. At Milford Sound the 37.23” [945mm] total was the lowest in 37 years of record. In the North Island contrasts were not so great. Most western and northern districts received about 3/4 of the average value. In Hawkes Bay and Wairarapa rainfall was about 50% above average. It was also somewhat above average in most of Gisborne and in Rotorua and Waikato.

Temperatures: Temperatures were 1F-2F below average in the North Island, and also over the greater part of the South Island. However, on the West Coast and in inland Marlborough it was a little warmer than usual. The last week of the month was particularly cold, with snow to low levels in inland Canterbury. Another very cold spell was from the 7th-9th, when snow affected Central Otago, inland Canterbury and many inland districts of the North Island.

Sunshine: The West Coast, northern districts of the North Island, and also Southland were favoured with 25-50 hours more sunshine than usual. On the other hand, eastern districts from Gisborne to Ashburton, together with Wellington received 30-60 hours below average. Wellington had its cloudiest August in 60 years of observation, with a sunshine total of only 79 hours.

[Some totals: Kaitaia 200, Kerikeri 184, Whangarei 177, Auckland 189, Tauranga 181, Whakatane 193, Taupo 164, Opotiki 182, Hamilton 159, New Plymouth 171, Masterton 100, Gisborne 111, Napier 129, Wairoa 111, Paraparaumu 138, Ohakea 144, Palmerston North 126, Levin 147, Wellington 79, Stratford 143, Ohakune 146, Wanganui 146, Westport 185, Hokitika 183, Greymouth 170, Haast 186, Riwaka 197, Nelson 184, Blenheim 173, Grassmere 150, Kaikoura 141, Mt Cook 127, Mt John 177, Methven 149, Christchurch 122, Tekapo 161, Timaru 137, Waimate 122, Dunedin Aero 129, Dunedin 128, Oamaru 136, Queenstown 128, Alexandra 165, Invercargill 145, Campbell Is 29, Chatham Is 72].

Sources: NZ Met. Misc. pub. 107 (Climatological table, NZ Gazette) and NZ Met. Misc. pub. 109 (Meteorological Observations) - additional comments by the poster.