Official drought declared in Northland

A state of drought has been officially declared for Northland.

Speaking from Dargaville this afternoon, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy noted there was currently a 100mm moisture deficit in the region.

He said Northland was one of the worst hit areas, compared with the Waikato and Hawkes Bay, where official drought zone declarations are also looming.

Minister Guy said Northland had suffered what was beyond a "normal summer"and would now need at least 20-30mm of rainfall, and a follow-up rain, for it to have any affect in the near future. He said Northland had entered into an "extreme climatic event".

By declaring an official drought zone, he said, the Government was giving support to farmers.

Funding would now become available to organisations such as the Northland Rural Support Trust, which would allow the trust to offer support to farmers.