More North Island Regions Have Drought Declared
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NZ's drought-hit areas have officially increased.
The Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, said
a medium-scale drought had officially been declared
for Waikato, Bay of Plenty, South Auckland and Hawke's Bay.
Last week, drought was declared in Northland.
The drought declarations were recognition that farmers
across the North Island were facing extremely difficult conditions.
The declaration of a medium-scale event means extra government funding
would be available to rural support trusts,
which worked closely with farmers to provide support and guidance.
Rural assistance payments equivalent to the unemployment benefit
would also be available from Work and Income NZ.
