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With the South Island's West Coast in the grip of drought, which is a highly unusual event, most farmers on the West Coast will have no idea how to cope with it or its aftermath.
"Farmers need to remember they are not alone because the West Coast Rural Support Trust is only a phone call away on 0800 787 254," says Dianne Milne, chair of the West Coast Rural Support Trust.
"If farmers feel stressed it is vital to keep talking to their family, business partners, mates and rural professionals. It's only when a farmer bottles things up those small problems become big problems.
"If you are a dairy farmer speak to staff at Westland Milk Products, DairyNZ and others who come up your drive. Similarly for sheep and beef farmers, have a yarn with your meat processor or to Beef+Lamb NZ.
"Don't be shy about picking up the phone and talking to Federated Farmers either.
"At times like this you need the best advice so speak to your bank manager or accountant about options, especially in dealing with Inland Revenue. They may seem scary but if approached early by your advisor they will look to work with you.
"Even your council may show flexibility but these bodies need to understand what your situation is and can't if you don't talk to them.
"Listen to advisors or seek their help about the best way to manage the situation, especially regarding herd, feed and pasture management.
"There is going to be big demand for grass seed so talk to your supplier and secure some now if you think you need to. Get your fertiliser in the shed now for when it does rain, rather than being at the back of the queue for transport later.
"This is where your bank comes in and all of the major ones have drought packages available.
"Please keep an eye out for your neighbours and talk to them or if you have concerns, pass that onto us at the Rural Support Trust. At times like this you need your mates so get together for a BBQ because that reinforces the message that you are not on your own.
"The West Coast Rural Support Trust is here to help rural people through events like this. If you want our assistance or have concerns for someone who may, please call 0800 787 254. We are here to help," Milne says.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
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.
Much-needed rain finally arrived in Northland, giving many farmers breathing space to get themselves back on track for next season.
The drought in western parts of the North Island is reaching crisis point with many farmers from Northland to Taranaki having to truck in water and feed for their stock at great expense.
A leading farm consultant says it's likely the dairy season in the Waikato will come to a premature end because of the drought.
Movement controls have been lifted from Mainland Poultry’s Hillgrove Farm in Otago, after the successful eradication of H7N6 strain of high pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI).
Harvesting is underway of one of New Zealand’s rarest and most unusual fruit - persimmons.
Recent rain has offered respite for some from the ongoing drought.
New Zealand's TBfree programme has made great progress in reducing the impact of the disease on livestock herds, but there’s still a long way to go, according to Beef+Lamb NZ.
With much of the North Island experiencing drought this summer and climate change projected to bring drier and hotter conditions, securing New Zealand’s freshwater resilience is vital, according to state-owned GNS Science.
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