Exactly when New Zealand's drought will be declared is not clear...

Exactly when drought will be declared unclear

It is unclear exactly when Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy will declare a drought in a significant chunk of the North Island. He has been asked to take the step for Auckland south of the Harbour Bridge, the entire Waikato region and parts of Rotorua. A drought declaration will trigger direct help, such as tax relief and special welfare payments, for farmers facing more extreme circumstances. Stewart Anderson has been the the Ministry for Primary Industries contact for local officials and says Mr Guy will be informed, but when he will declare the drought remains to be seen. "I can't give an exact day, because the minister needs to consider what is put to him and make a decision." Officials say dry conditions have worsened in the region, feed supplies are tightening and the Rural Support Trust is fielding more calls from stressed farmers. File photo Ecospree