increase font size
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelseon districts are in the grips of an intense dry spell.
An intense dry spell gripping upper South Island districts - Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson - have been declared as a medium-scale adverse event by the Government.
The declaration gives growers and farmers in the three districts access to more assistance from the Rural Support Trust.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says parts of Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts are in the grip of an intense dry spell.
“I know this has made day-to-day conditions on the ground extremely tough for farmers and growers,” McClay says.
“The Top of the South Drought Committee met yesterday to discuss the situation.
“After receiving an urgent update from Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) staff on the ground in the area this morning, I have made the decision to classify drought conditions in Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson districts as a medium-scale adverse event.
“It is clear conditions are tough. This decision will unlock further support for farmers and growers, including tax support.”
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson visited the Marlborough area last week to see conditions first-hand.
Patterson says the classification is on top of funding of up to $20,000 they made available to the Top of the South Rural Support Trust last month to provide extra support.
“The proactive step ensured early support is available for farmers, growers, and rural communities.”
MPI has been working collaboratively with central agencies, sector groups, regional bodies, and farmers and growers across the country to prepare for El Niño since its arrival last year.
Forecasters predict the dry weather will linger into the autumn, says McClay.
“I know farmers and growers in other parts of the country are also experiencing dry conditions and we’re keeping a close eye on the situation in those regions.”
Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
The 'atmospheric river' of rain that swept down the country last week almost completely avoided one of the worst drought-affected regions in the country – coastal Taranaki.
Much-needed rain finally arrived in Northland, giving many farmers breathing space to get themselves back on track for next season.
Beef+Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) has welcomed the New Zealand Government's announcement that comprehensive free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations have formally commenced with India.
While opening the first electrode boiler at its Edendale site, Fonterra has announced a $70 million investment in two further new electrode boilers.
Fonterra says its ongoing legal battle with Australian processor Bega Cheese won’t change its divestment plans.
With an amendment to the Medicines Act proposing human medicines could be approved in 30 days if the product has approval from two recognised overseas jurisdictions, there’s a call for a similar approach where possible to be applied to some animal medicines.
The Government wants to make sure that rural communities get a level of service that people who live in cities often complacently expect.
As the New Zealand Government launches negotiations on a Free Trade Agreement with India, one Canterbury-based vegetable seed breeder is already benefiting from exporting to the world's fifth-largest economy.
Onenui Station on Mahia Peninsula in northern Hawke's Bay is a world first in more ways than one.
OPINION: You would've missed this one if you rely on mainstream media for your news, but your old mate reckons…
OPINION: With the Government applying some fiscal discipline to scientific research funding, this mutt thinks it might be timely to…
