The Government has declared a drought in Northland and a relief package for farmers.
The move follows months of sparse rainfall and fears of farmers losing their incomes. It covers the area north of the Auckland Harbour Bridge.
Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy made the announcement in Dargaville on Wednesday afternoon, saying Northland is one of the worst-hit areas and farmers in severe hardship will now have access to an emergency fund.
This would give farmers access to money for counselling, expert advice and financial help, similar to going on the unemployment benefit.
Dairy farmers organisation DairyNZ said Northland farmers are still trying to recover financially from severe droughts three years ago and have less money now to get them through the dry period.
Northland regional leader Tafi Manjala said milk production has dropped and extra supplements for stock are in short supply. He said farmers are not in a good position as this year's payout is down on last year's.
Bill Guest, who owns several farms in Dargaville, said he believes the declaration won't change things for most farmers, but expects the relief package will help those who got into deep financial strife before the drought hit.
The Rural Support Trust in Northland estimates the region needs at least 150 millimetres of rain over a period of time to pull farmers out of the drought.
The Government is watching other dry parts of the North Island, particularly Waikato and Hawke's Bay.
