Despite heavy rain in New Zealand over the past week, the Government's official drought zone continues to grow.
The Government is extending its drought-relief package, which includes tax assistance, to Wairarapa and North Canterbury.
They join several other regions in the official drought zone, which started with Northland in January.
Agriculture Minister David Carter says the rain over the past week has been enough to return soil moisture levels to normal, but the effects of the dry conditions are still being felt.
Mr Carter, who says it could be weeks or even months before there's enough pasture cover to feed stock, is encouraging farmers to have a recovery plan in place and seek help early from local rural support trusts.
