Northland dry conditions observed in a previous drought.
Photo: RNZ / LIZ GARTON
A drought was declared in the regions of Northland, Waikato, Horizons and Marlborough-Tash, and the government promised financial support to farmers and producers.
It extends a declared drought in Taranaki last week.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay has classified the conditions in the affected regions as an adverse event on a medium scale.
“Below average rainfall continues to make farmers difficult as soil moisture levels dry and feed and water are tight in some areas.”
Northland, Waikato, Country King, Manawatū, Taraua, Marlborough, Tasman, Nelson and parts of Taupō and Rotorua were all experiencing hot and dry conditions, he said.
“This has reduced pasture growth rates and farmers are having to feed earlier to fill the gap.”
South President of South Support Trust, Richard Kempthorne, said he is particularly dry in Tapawera, Maruia and Murchison, in southwestern Tasman district, with those areas “virtually no rain for several months.”
The east coast of Marlborough from Seddon to the Clarence River was also dry.
“It’s nothing like last year, where we had a widespread and severe drought for months.”
He said farmers without irrigation were using the winter supplement feed, as they were not enough green grass to feed their stock.
Trust would be keeping the meetings to get people off the farm and trying to further support those under pressure.
The government was also granting $ 100,000 to organizations working with farmers in the affected regions.
Classifications also meant that farmers and producers were eligible for tax benefits, and some may receive rural assistance payments.
McClay also instructed the Ministry of Primary Industries to continue monitoring conditions in all regions as temperatures begin to fall and growth decreases.
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson wanted farmers and producers to look at.
“I encourage farmers and producers to talk to their neighbors, companions, networks and industry representatives if they need advice or support.”
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