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Parts of Northland are facing extreme heat and poor grass growth.
The Government is giving $12.7 million to make Northland more resilient in the face of extreme weather.
The Northland Regional Council is getting $12m for the Northland Water Storage and Use Project and Kaipara District Council $745,000 for Kai for Kaipara Water project.
Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says water is critical for Northland’s economy and wellbeing but is increasingly under threat from floods and drought, declining rainfall and river flows and rising temperatures.
“There are also increased demands on water resources from a growing population and economy.
“We are providing up to $12.7m through the Provincial Growth Fund (PGF) to ensure the region has a reliable water supply which can be used to develop underutilised land, grow new markets, create jobs and put more money into the local economy,” Peters said.
Last week Minister for Primary Industries Damien O’Connor visited Northland farmers reeling from weeks of dry weather.
Parts of the region are facing extreme heat and poor grass growth, forcing dairy some farmers to dry off cows early.
With adverse weather set to rain down on the Top of the South, the Bay of Plenty and parts of Northland, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers, foresters, and growers need to prepare for possible challenges.
Northlanders scooped the pool at this year's prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy Awards - winning both the main competition and the young Maori farmer award.
The grass may be growing again in the drought-stricken coastal area of Taranaki, but the outlook for many farmers there is far from rosy.
Limping towards the end of the season is how Richard Walker describes the situation he's facing due to prolonged drought in coastal areas of Taranaki.
The lack of quality internet coverage in Northland is costing farmers time and money, says Federated Farmers Northland president Colin Hannah.
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All eyes are on milk production in New Zealand and its impact on global dairy prices in the coming months.
