Govt declares more drought areas

The Government has declared medium-level drought conditions in the Waikato, Rodney, Papakura and Manukau districts.

Agriculture Minister David Carter's announcement triggers government relief measures for farmers. Drought was declared in Northland in late January.

Farmers affected would get tax assistance under the Income Equalisation Scheme, farm management advice, welfare support and funding for Rural Support Trusts to provide help.

"The current situation in the upper North Island is grim and there is no immediate relief in sight," Mr Carter said.

"Without adequate rain, it is likely that farmers in Northland and Waikato will be facing feed shortages going into winter, so now is the time to prepare."

Farmers who were finding conditions hard were told to get help from their local Rural Support Trust.

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry staff are monitoring dry conditions in other areas including Otago.

- NZPA