Tauranga City Council has introduced a sprinkler ban, following a hot, dry summer in the Bay of Plenty

Residents must stop using sprinklers and irrigation systems until further notice.

However, they can still water their gardens by hand-held hose, at the cooler times of day, between 5am and 8am, and from 7pm to 10pm.

Water restrictions are also in place in the Far North, New Plymouth, Central Hawke's Bay and Wellington.