Government offers $50,000 for drought-hit West Coast

The "famously wet West Coast" has had a hot and dry start to summer. Photo / NZME

Drought on the West Coast of the South Island has prompted the Government to step in with $50,000 in relief. It may also provide tax and income assistance.

It is second drought-stricken area this summer to qualify for Government assistance. Minister for Agriculture Damien O'Connor declared a "medium-scale adverse event" just before Christmas for 13 districts across Taranaki, Manawatu-Whanganui and Wellington, providing $160,000 for the communities.

This morning, O'Connor said the recent rain had not been enough to relieve the drought in the Grey and Buller districts of the South Island.

Last week's rainstorm drenched parts of coastal New Zealand, but the famously wet West Coast has been struggling through an unusually hot, dry start to summer and missed out on the much-needed rain, O'Connor said.

"On the back of an extremely wet winter that left many farmers unable to grow pasture or crops for spring, the early and unusual dry start to summer turned West Coast pastures from swamp to concrete."

The Government continued to watch neighbouring areas, including Murchison, which also missed out on the recent rain.

The drought declaration means the local Rural Support Trust and other recovery organisations can provide up to $50,000 to communities, including organising local events and arranging recovery facilitators who work one-to-one with farmers.

The classification lasts for six months unless things change substantially.

Tax flexibility and income assistance options will be made available where appropriate.​

Farmers can contact Rural Support Trust by calling 0800 787 254 or going to www.rural-support.org.nz

forecast rainstorms could break the drought before central government assistance became necessary," he said.However, the Grey and Buller districts now meet the criteria for a medium-scale event.The Government is keeping a watch on neighbouring areas, including Murchison, which have also missed out on the rain.The medium-scale classification gives the local Rural Support Trust and other recovery organisations a funding boost of up to $50,000 to help serve their communities.- NZN