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Government extends drought to include whole of North Island; says farmers in every part of the island facing 'very difficult' conditions

Rural News
Government extends drought to include whole of North Island; says farmers in every part of the island facing 'very difficult' conditions
<a href="http://www.shutterstock.com/">Image sourced from Shutterstock.com</a>

The whole of the North Island is now officially in a state of drought.

The Government, which declared Northland and North Auckland as the first areas officially in drought on February 27, today formally put the whole of the island on drought footing.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said today that local groups had asked for regional declarations of drought in the past week, "and it has become clear that nearly all farmers in every part of the North Island are facing very difficult dry conditions".

“Extra Government funding will now be available to Rural Support Trusts who work closely with farmers, providing support and guidance.

“There will also be Rural Assistance Payments (RAPs) available from Work and Income, through the Ministry of Social Development. These are equivalent to the unemployment benefit and are available to those in extreme hardship.

“Many rural people can be reluctant to ask for help, but it is important for them to know that support is available. This is a difficult time for rural families and they need to know that the Government and all New Zealanders are behind them."

The news comes as rain is in fact forecast for this weekend. Guy said that was welcome news.

"However we will need more than this to help prepare for the winter and set up for next spring."

And Guy indicated that the South Island was being watched closely for developments as well.

“Parts of the South Island are also very dry, in particular the Grey and Buller districts. We are keeping a close watch on all further regions."

Economists have seen the fast-worsening big dry as a growing threat to what otherwise looks like being strengthening economic growth this year. Early estimates have suggested a 0.5% direct hit to GDP, but these estimates are probably being revised upwards all the time. Additionally, the impact of reduced farmer spending in the wider community will have longer-term flow-on effects throughout the entire economy.

Already dairy prices are being driven higher, with a 10.4% surge in prices at the last global auction. As the largest exporter of dairy products, New Zealand has a significant influence on global prices.

Guys said he was very pleased with how communities have pulled together to help each other out so far.

"Federated Farmers have been operating a ‘Feedline’ to match farmers with feed supplies, which is receiving good interest.

“Beef + Lamb NZ, Dairy NZ, the Ministry for Primary Industries and others have also been providing practical support.

“Farmers should contact their accountants or the IRD if they need help or flexibility with making tax payments, and standard hardship assistance is available from Work and Income,” he said.

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7 Comments

I do not agree.

Year ended June 2012, $USD, Dairy export (HS code group: 04):

EU27 external trade, USD $11.4 bn (37.0% of world trade)

NZ: USD$ 9.3 bn (30.3% of world trade)

US: USD$ 3.8 bn (12.7% of world trade)

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Everytime I have a dump I flush the toilet twice as Wellington needs the water.

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....and the winner of the Tinfoil Hatter of The Week award goes to.... (drumroll)...snippy.

However, your links did get me wondering.....who does control the weather.

Being a dedicated Pastafarian I suddenly realised... of course, his Almightly Noodliness the Flying Spaghetti Monster is the cosmic climate controller. Setting aside my bolognese I prayed thusly: 

"O Great Glutinous One, down here in Kiwiland it's as dry as a popcorn fart and we would be ever so greatful for a spot of precipitation."

Being a practical deity HANtFSM replied instantaneously by text: (he's a kickass texter with all those tentacles)  

"Your request is noted, but because I am a delegating deity, years ago I put climate control into the hands of Murphy. Whether it rains or not is subject to Murphy's Law, not mine. My suggestion is  that you use social media to convince a critical mass of Kiwis to simultaneously: Hang out the washing, wash the car, and have a romantic picnic on a blanket that is so far from shelter you will be soaked before you reach it.....then, according to Murphy's irrefutable and well proven Law, it will bucket down."

 

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Stop Press:  GDP just got a boost:  Earthquake in Auckland. 

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Drought = interest rates cuts.  Or will the drought recovery provide stimulus eventually?

 

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In a smaller way that Chch rebuild is:  = insurance $$, Govt compensation, relief funds etc , people helping each other ...

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broken windows fallacy

English quoted saying it will knock a third off GDP growth this year.

Will my 2% prediction be about right, or a bit high?

How about my 7-7.5% unemployment prediction?

if correct what will these predictions mean for NZ's finances?

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