Drought relief is available to Northland farmers as the region is included in an expanded medium-scale adverse event classification, as the dry conditions continue through autumn.
The Government is expanding the medium-scale adverse event classification to parts of the North Island as dry weather conditions persist, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay announced. And while it means drought support will be available for farmers, it is not officially a drought.
“I have made the decision to expand the medium-scale adverse event classification already in place for parts of the South Island to also cover the Northland, Taranaki, Horizons and Greater Wellington regions including the Wairarapa,” McClay said.
“Up to $80,000 will be provided to Rural Support Trusts covering the Northland, Taranaki, Manawatū-Rangitīkei, Tararua, Horowhenua and Wairarapa areas. Extremely dry and difficult conditions are affecting communities across the North Island, and conditions are not expected to improve in the short term,’’ he said.