The Government has declared a drought in Northland and parts of Auckland after months of monitoring the situation.
Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor made the declaration this afternoon after receiving advice from the Rural Adverse Events Team this morning.
The declaration of a medium scale adverse weather event for the primary sector covers all areas north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
The Government has allocated $80,000 as support in the form of tax relief, emergency grants, and loss of income through a number of agencies.
"This is recognition that the extreme and prolonged nature of this dry spell is taking its toll on our farmers and growers and additional support is needed," O'Connor said.