Farmers in Waikato and Auckland are hoping for rain in the next fortnight to help them deal with dry conditions that are starting to grip the region.
Auckland president for Federated Farmers Wendy Clark says the land is as dry as it was this time last year, when an official drought was declared in most parts of the country.
Mrs Clark says a good winter and spring has meant farmers could stockpile extra feed, and nobody has asked yet for help from the Rural Support Trust.
But she says dairy farmers need rain in the next fortnight to prevent having to dry off their herds early. She says other regions are not as dry this year as they were last year.
Meanwhile Auckland council has stopped issuing fire permits in rural areas due to the dry, hot conditions.
Principal rural fire officer Bryan Cartelle says the city has an elevated fire risk as high temperatures continue.
Mr Cartelle says the lack of rain and extremely dry conditions could easily lead to a blaze.
He says most permits issued before the summer season have expired, and no more will be granted until further notice.
And Horowhenua district council is urging people in the district to conserve water as river levels drop.
The council has restricted outdoor water use to odd dates for people living at odd-numbered houses, and even days for those with even-numbered addresses.
Soak hoses are banned at all times.
