Drought is spreading

Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor today classified the drought conditions in the Gisborne, Manawatu, Rangitikei, and Tararua districts as a medium-scale adverse event.

The classification, which follows previous announcements in Northland, Auckland and Waikato, unlocks Government recovery assistance measures for farmers and growers.

“Many parts of the country are doing it tough due to a substantial lack of rain,” O'Connor said.

This classification means extra funding of $150,000 will now be available to coordinate support through local organisations like the Rural Support Trusts.

In extreme cases, Rural Assistance Payments will be made available to farmers in severe hardship, he said.

“It's important to recognise that while farmers and growers in these parts of the country have experienced dry conditions before, the current situation is only getting more difficult,” he says.

In the Tararua district, the extremely dry summer has affected river levels and particularly hit some areas near the Ruahine ranges that normally receive better summer rainfall. Stock water supplies as well as domestic and municipal water supplies have come under extreme pressure.

O’Connor added, “In the Gisborne district, Ngatapa, Rere and north of Tolaga Bay have received little rain with dams dry, feed availability low and farmers facing long delays in getting stock to the works.

"Farmers have been actively managing to meet the feed requirements of their stock and dairy herds are being milked less frequently and some are being dried off early. 

“I’m continuing to keep an eye on several other regions, where extra help may also be needed," he said.

The $150,000 will bolster recovery activities in affected rural areas including:

• local groups such as the Rural Support Trusts and industry organisations running information sessions and other events to help support farmers and growers;
• one-to-one and group pastoral care and referrals from the Rural Support Trust; and
• coordination of help, resources and information for recovery.