RNZ
Government drought support is being extended into the North Island as farmers struggle with dry conditions.
Northland, Taranaki, Horizons and Greater Wellington regions, including the Wairarapa, join parts of the South Island now in drought.
The declaration unlocks tax relief for farmers and up to $80,000 for Rural Support Trusts in the affected regions.
Minister for Rural Communities Mark Patterson said some farm dams were starting to dry up and winter supplementary feed was already being fed to livestock.