Water restrictions have been lifted in several Far North communities.
Recent rain has allowed the district council to end the ban on hoses and sprinklers in Opononi, Omapere, Rawene and Kaitaia.
However, restrictions remain in Kaikohe, which relies on aquifers and bores.
The council says ground-water levels there are only slowly coming back to normal after months of dry weather.
Council manager Martin Ross says it will take a lot more rain before Kaikohe gets the all-clear, and it is important that residents continue to save water.
