Tuesday, 11 March 2025 11:55

More regions to face drought declarations

Written by  Peter Burke
Mark Patterson Mark Patterson

Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the present weather conditions remain challenging for farmers.

This follows the recent decision to declare a medium scale adverse event in Taranaki which has been experiencing very dry conditions for the past few months especially in coastal areas from Manaia to Waverley.

The declaration means that the sum of $30,000 will be made available to rural support groups who are working with farmers in that region.

Patterson told Rural News that they are looking at several other regions around the country as well who are suffering from the dry conditions. He says these include the western parts of Northland and down the east coast of the North Island and the top of the South Island.

He says farmers should be assured that the situation right around the country is being closely monitored.

"It's about trying to establish what is a normal summer dry verses something that might be going beyond that. Taking account of the availability of feed and water for stock and any other animal welfare issues. Quite a few factors come into play and we rely on local input before a drought declaration is made," he says.

Patterson says when an adverse event is declared there are financial implications for government and that is why they have clearly defined thresholds that need to be met before government intervenes.

In the last couple of weeks, Patterson has been in many part of the country including the Waikato, Wairoa and down to the Wairarapa and further south to Otago and Southland. He says he's got a pretty good first-hand picture of how things are. Apart from Taranaki, the Waikato is the driest of the other regions.

Meanwhile, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says farmers and growers in Taranaki are facing challenging situations.

He says conditions on the ground are becoming extremely difficult with limited feed and pasture available.

"Taranaki is experiencing hot, dry conditions and below average rainfall. This has affected pasture growth and farmers have had to feed-out or sell livestock earlier to fill the gap," he says.

More like this

Contract milkers hit hard by drought crisis

Many contract milkers in badly drought affected regions around the country are coming under severe financial stress and farm owners are being urged to help them through a bad patch until the start of the new season.

Editorial: Making wool great again

OPINION: Otago farmer and NZ First MP Mark Patterson is humble about the role that he’s played in mandating government agencies to use wool wherever possible in new and refurbished buildings.

Rain misses Taranaki region

The 'atmospheric river' of rain that swept down the country last week almost completely avoided one of the worst drought-affected regions in the country – coastal Taranaki.

Featured

Fonterra names Templeman-Jones to Mainland Group board amid divestment

As part of preparing for a potential IPO in relation to the divestment process for its global Consumer business and integrated businesses Fonterra Oceania and Sri Lanka, Fonterra has named Anne Templeman-Jones as chair-elect of the Audit and Risk Committee for the Mainland Group board.

National

Helping protect sheep from parasites

Everyone from experienced veterinarians and young professionals to the Wormwise programme and outstanding clinics have been recognised in this year’s…

Machinery & Products

Farmer-led group buys Novag

While the name and technology remain unchanged and new machines will continue to carry the Novag name, all the assets,…

Buhler name to go

Shareholders at a special meeting have approved a proposed deal that will see Buhler Industries, the publicly traded Versatile and…

» Latest Print Issues Online

The Hound

Make it 1000%!

OPINION: The appendage swinging contest between the US and China continues, with China hitting back with a new rate of…

Own goal

OPINION: The irony of President Trump’s tariff obsession is that the worst damage may be done to his own people.

» Connect with Rural News

» eNewsletter

Subscribe to our weekly newsletter