Severe-weather forecaster Paul Mallinson said he had “almost mentioned weak tornadoes” in predictions for the West Coast and Nelson area overnight on Saturday, but had decided against it.

“We were already talking about wind gusts of 110km/h. So I actually expected there would be some weak funnels, but we have to be a little bit careful when we mention the tornado word. It has to be used judiciously.

“So while I don’t wish damage on anybody, when I heard about this one (at Paraparaumu) I was so pleased…”