increase font size
A state of drought has been officially declared throughout the entire North Island. And the Government is keeping a close eye on the South Island.
Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy says local groups have asked for regional declarations of drought in the past week, and it has become clear that nearly all farmers in every part of the North Island are facing very difficult dry conditions.
Extra Government funding will now be available to Rural Support Trusts who work closely with farmers, providing support and guidance. There will also be Rural Assistance Payments (RAPs) available from Work and Income, through the Ministry of Social Development. These are equivalent to the unemployment benefit and are available to those in extreme hardship.
Many rural people can be reluctant to ask for help, but it is important for them to know that support is available, says Guy.
"This is a difficult time for rural families and they need to know that the Government and all New Zealanders are behind them."
Guy says some rain is forecast this weekend which is welcome news. However we will need more than this to help prepare for the winter and set up for next spring.
Parts of the South Island are also very dry, in particular the Grey and Buller districts. We are keeping a close watch on all further regions, says Guy.
"I'm very pleased with how communities have pulled together to help each other out. Federated Farmers have been operating a 'Feedline' to match farmers with feed supplies, which is receiving good interest.
"Beef + Lamb NZ, Dairy NZ, the Ministry for Primary Industries and others have also been providing practical support.
"Farmers should contact their accountants or the IRD if they need help or flexibility with making tax payments, and standard hardship assistance is available from Work and Income," says Guy.
Previously drought has been declared in Northland and North Auckland (February 27) and in the South Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay regions (March 6).
Regularly updated drought information is available at:
http://www.mpi.govt.nz/environment-natural-resources/funding-programmes/primary-sector-recovery/droughts/dry-conditions-2012-13-faqs
Winter grazing is looming again and the Ministry for Primary Industries says it's going to increase proactive farm visits and provide practical advice for farmers in the lead up to the season.
The Meat Industry Association (MIA) have announced the dates for the 2025 Red Meat Sector Conference.
The primary sector is welcoming the appointment of Dr John Roche as the Prime Minister's new chief science advisor.
A highly experienced agricultural scientist with specialist knowledge of the dairy sector is the Prime Minister's new Chief Science Advisor.
Data from February 2025 shows volumes of bulk wine exports exceeded packaged wine.
The CEO of Apples and Pears NZ, Karen Morrish, says the strategic focus of her organisation is to improve grower returns.
A significant breakthrough in understanding facial eczema (FE) in livestock brings New Zealand closer to reducing the disease’s devastating impact on farmers, animals, and rural communities.
Farmer co-operative LIC has closed its satellite-backed pasture measurement platform – Space.
OPINION: The case of four Canterbury high country stations facing costly and complex consent hearing processes highlights the dilemma facing the farming sector as the country transitions into a replacement for the Resource Management Act (RMA).
The 2024-25 season apple harvest has “well and truly exceeded expectations”, says Apples and Pears NZ chief executive Karen Morrish.
Through collaborative efforts with exhibitors, visitors, and industry partners, Fieldays says it is reaffirming its commitment to environmental responsibility with new initiatives for 2025.
OPINION: The Greens aren’t serious people when it comes to the economy, so let’s not spend too much on their…
OPINION: PM Chris Luxon is getting pinged lately for rolling out the old 'we're still a new government' line when…
