There has been plenty of rain in Northland but drought-stricken farmers aren't singing and dancing yet.
Rain over the last five days has meant a green tinge has begun to cover hillsides throughout the region which resembled giant inland sand dunes.
But the rain has done more for farmers' morale than it has towards breaking the region's fifth drought in five years.
With no significant rain in Northland since October, the Government declared a drought earlier this month. There has not been enough rain to break the drought yet.
Northland Rural support trust co-ordinator Julie Jonker said the drought and low dairy payouts had left farmers worried but the rain had boosted morale.