Christmas could be looking a little different this year, with wet weather already making its mark on the social calendar. Organisers of the Upper Clutha district's Christmas food-bank drive, due to take place on Thursday, are "extremely disappointed" to have to cancel the Wānaka and Hāwea segment of this year's street collection due to wet weather forecasts that could threaten the safety of volunteers. 

This is the first time the event has been called off since 2007. Christmas food-bank drive coordinator, Nikki McKay, said, “The people of the Upper Clutha are always so generous, and their donations of food and gifts make a HUGE difference to a growing number of families who are really struggling over Christmas.” 

For Wānaka, organisers ask that “people bring their donations to the Community Networks offices at the new Community Hub on McDougall St this Wednesday (9am to 5pm) or Thursday (9am to 7pm), so that those in need can still be helped.” Hāwea residents “can donate at the Community Hub or drop their donations to the Lake Hawea Fire station or the Hawea Flat Hall on Thursday evening between 5pm and 7pm. For home pickups in the Hawea area phone Brent Arthur ph 021334482” For people in Luggate and Mt Barker however, the collections will continue on Thursday as planned. 

Meanwhile Hāwea was forced to cancel their Christmas in the Park on Sunday December 15 due to waterlogged grounds on top of windy and cold conditions. The event was meant to be a community picnic with food trucks, carols and even a Sanata appearance. Elizabeth Munn, an organiser, said the cancellation was “a great shame” but there’s hope that Santa may still make an appearance on the 24th. 

Holiday makers wishing to enjoy their usual Christmas leisure activities may have to be careful when it comes to swimming and watersports. Jonathan Walmisley, President of Coastguard Wānaka Lakes, warns that the Clutha flow rate is extreme and he urges anyone to be “very, very cautious.” With a rainy Christmas season upon us, there’s never been a better time to light a fire, chuck on an old movie and enjoy the presence of friends and family.