Rain, but not enough, for Northland

Rain fell in drought-stricken Northland overnight, with more expected today, but it is not expected to make much difference to farmers.

The Government has declared a medium-level drought and Agriculture Minister David Carter yesterday said a recovery package offering tax assistance, farm management advice, welfare support and funding for rural support trusts was in place.

MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said last night's rainfall had been patchy, with some areas getting as little as 0.6mm while others had 12mm.

"To make a good inroad on the drought they'd need about 50 to 100mm over a week or so. They've had about 10mm over a day.

"They'd need this every day for a week."

Severe weather warnings were in place as much of the North Island could be effected by thunderstorms today, but Mr McDavitt said for Northland the weekend would be business as usual with the southwesterly and clear skies returning.

"At this time of year, on a sunny day, the soil can evaporate to the tune of around 3 or 4mm per day. So the amount of rain falling at the moment, we can lose by the end of the weekend."

Denis Anderson, Federated Farmers president for the Far North, Whangarei and Kaipara, said highs and lows in weather were expected in Northland, but with Whangarei receiving just a third of its usual rainfall over the past three months the outlook was grim.

"Obviously the soil moisture is well below what it normally is this time of year and seed levels are falling daily. There's been less supplement made this year than normal because of the season that has been.

"(Still) a good easterly will change everything overnight."

He said farmers no longer expected a silver bullet from the government, " but certainly the relief in the form of taxation packages will be welcomed".

"Farmers will be talking to their accountants no doubt."

- NZPA