A national drought committee has been set up to help those affected by the extreme dry conditions.
Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton and representatives from the horticulture and agriculture industries met other Government officials in Wellington last night to discuss initiatives and possible assistance for those affected by the
unusually dry conditions throughout the country.
His promise the drought committee would bring help "to the farm's front gate" could come as welcome relief to those suffering in the upper Clutha, Lindis, the MacKenzie Basin, small pockets in Central Otago, north Canterbury and Wairarapa and throughout much of the Waikato.
He said farmers were "probably not used to having to ask for help" but the Ministry of Social Development was on board to outline the level of assistance they and others affected by drought conditions would be entitled to.
Mr Anderton said the committee would appoint a fulltime co-ordinator by next week. But it was important to plan for future weather events.
"We are dealing with weather changes and all the things that go with it, so there needs to be some kind of strategic planning not just for droughts but also for floods and the like.
"In the Waikato, they are having one of their driest summers in 100 years. But I can tell you now that it won't be another 100 years before it suffers its next one."
He said it was pertinent MAF and the drought committee undertook measures to record the total amount of feed available for stock throughout the country as it was likely some places could have nothing to feed their animals come winter.
Mr Anderton said the Waikato was in a "serious situation".
"But if you look at parts of Australia, their Government is actually paying their farmers to leave the farms after five years of these types of conditions. I think that is what you would call a crisis."
Despite Hamilton International Airport yesterday recording 9mm of rain and other places in the Waikato recording up to 12mm the Waikato District Council said alternate day sprinkler bans were still in place. More showers were forecast.
Andy Downs of MetService said the ridge of high pressure was weakening but likely to come back next week.
