A sunny end to July has seen Whakatāne maintain it's 5th place position in the 2023 Sunshine Hours Race.
Latest data from NIWA's Climate Database has revealed Whakatāne recorded 176 hours of sunshine last month, compared to 188 hours by current leader, Lake Tekapo.
Whakatāne is currently sitting 164 hours in total behind Lake Tekapo, who leapt to the front last month followed by Richmond, New Plymouth and Blenheim.
The data showed Whakatāne was the 4th sunniest spot across the country last month.
Whakatāne has so far recorded 1268 hours of sunshine year to date, compared to Lake Tekapo with 1433 hours.
Kawerau is sitting in 8th place on the table with 155 hours of sunshine last month and 1023 hours year to date.
Public Interest Journalism funded through New Zealand On Air.