“This is recognition that the extreme and prolonged nature of this dry spell is taking its toll on the primary sector and additional support is needed,” O’Connor said.
“The lack of any substantial rainfall over the past few months means that the drought situation in the region has reached the point where assistance is needed to help the rural community get through.
“This unlocks initial extra funding of $80,000 for the Waikato, Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust to help speed up the recovery of farming and horticultural businesses.”
Farmers in Waikato are not strangers to dry summers and they have had good grass silage available to date, but the longer they go without rain, the harder it becomes to carry on as usual, he said.
And adverse event was declared for Northland and North Auckland earlier this month.
“I’m continuing to keep a close eye on conditions in Northland as well as many other parts of the country in case more help is required,” O’Connor said.
“I encourage farmers to seek professional advice from Rural Support Trusts, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb who can provide information about managing dry conditions.”
The classification pleased the Waikato Primary Industries Adverse Event Cluster, made up of Waikato and South Auckland agricultural industry representatives.
Group chairman and Ohinewai farmer Neil Bateup said the “very, very dry conditions” were putting stress on the farming sector.
“Farmers have done a very good job of managing the dry conditions so far this year, and while we heard today that generally farmers were being quite positive, some people will be struggling. There is some food for stock, but the reserves are being chewed into very fast. And there some crunch times are coming, meaning hard decision will have to be made by farmers. It’s about putting measures in place to support those people who may need help.”
The announcement by the minister follows a drought classification in North Auckland and Northland earlier this month.
Bateup appealed to the banking sector to consider the pressures from the drought when approached for financial flexibility to get extra feed.
Waikato Federated Farmers president Andrew McGiven said there were a number of stressors affecting farmers at the moment.
“We’re looking to get the best result for our farmers and local communities.”
Auckland Federated Farmers president Alan Cole said many farmers were already two thirds of the way through the supplements they had planned for winter.
“These recovery measures will help those who are less prepared, who haven’t experienced past drought, to seek guidance.”
Niwa meteorologist Ben Noll said Hamilton, Auckland and Whitianga were heading towards the driest summer on record, and soil moisture deficit levels were at 130mm across much of the region.
“There is a chance of beneficial rainfall on Wednesday and Thursday but it won’t be drought breaking. It takes a bit of time for that to happen, especially with the soil moisture levels being what they are.”
Waikato Regional Council senior scientist Bevan Jenkins said the majority of the river flow recorders across the region showed record low flows. “Most water takes are on restrictions.”
