The entire North Island, parts of the South Island and the Chatham Islands have been declared as being in drought by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor. …
O’Connor said the intensity of the dry conditions had spread and despite recent rain across some parts of the country, many rural people remained under pressure with water shortages and low feed availability.
The new funding would help boost co-ordination efforts and activate some additional recovery measures, including for animal welfare and wider rural communities, he said. …
“Funding for psychosocial support in affected regions will also be boosted, and we’ll be working closely with farmers to help ensure the welfare of animals in their care.”
Source: Drought for North Island, Chatham Islands, part of South unlocks $2m relief funding.
This is a good time to check your water tank and avoid lighting fires outdoors.
At Waikawa Beach there has been around 50 mm rain in the 11 weeks since 01 January 2020. In the same period in 2019 there were around 80–90 mm rain.