A state of drought has been declared for the West Coast of the South Island, in the Buller and Grey districts.
All the North Island is already officially in drought, and the latest declaration is the first for the South Island.
At a meeting held on Friday in Greymouth local farmers asked the Government for a drought declaration.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says it's not usual for the West Coast to experience drought conditions, and it shows just how extreme this dry period has been.
Mr Guy says conditions there have deteriorated quickly.
The declaration means Government funding will now be available through the Rural Support Trust, and Work and Income.
