KEY POINTS:
The Government says drought relief support is open to all farmers, regardless of whether they live in a region officially declared to be a drought zone.
"All farmers affected by drought conditions can access support and assistance," said National Drought Committee chairman Phil Journeaux.
"Many areas throughout the country are in drought, and all assistance measures are available regardless of whether a local drought has been declared."
Regional councils in Taranaki, Waikato, Wanganui-Manawatu, and Wairarapa have officially declared their regions to be drought zones.
The National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (Niwa) today predicted the drought in these regions was likely to ease as autumn progresses.
But senior climate scientist Jim Salinger warned that dry conditions would persist in parts of the North Island even though normal or below normal rainfall was likely over the three months.
The Government-initiated National Drought Committee is coordinating the industry, community and government organisations working on drought response and recovery.
A range of financial assistance to both farming and non-farming families whose incomes have been affected by drought has been offered through Work and Income New Zealand.
For farmers hit by drought, tax relief and income assistance is also available.
- NZPA
