Drought support available as Northland dries out

The Far North is drying out and the Government has expanded the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island, including Northland.

Drought relief is available to Northland farmers as the region is included in an expanded medium-scale adverse event classification, as the dry conditions continue through autumn.

The Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. And while it means drought support will be available for farmers, it is not officially a drought.

“I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the Northland, Taranaki, Horizons and Greater Wellington regions including the Wairarapa,” McClay said.

“Up to $80,000 will be provided to Rural Support Trusts covering the Northland, Taranaki, Manawatū-Rangitīkei, Tararua, Horowhenua and Wairarapa areas. Extremely dry and difficult conditions are affecting communities across the North Island, and conditions are not expected to improve in the short term,’’ he said.

“The classification unlocks further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief, and it enables MSD to consider Rural Assistance Payments. It comes on top of the $90,000 allocated to Rural Support Trusts in the South Island to ensure extra support was available.”

McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have been visiting affected regions to meet with farmers, growers, and sector groups.

“Farmers across parts of the lower North Island, including Wairarapa and the Tararua district, are still recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle in February 2023,” Patterson said.

“Some farm dams are starting to dry up and winter supplementary feed is already being fed to livestock. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has been working with sector groups, regional bodies, and farmers to prepare for El Nino since its arrival last year; and continue to monitor the situation to determine where additional support is needed.

“MPI will continue to work closely with local rural advisory groups, drought committees and Rural Support Trusts to determine if additional support is needed.”

Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

The dry conditions also mean Northland is in a restricted fire season.