Drought in New Zealand on Friday, 26 July, 2013 Bay of Plenty farmers are feeling optimistic about the next few months as conditions improve from one of the worst droughts to affect New Zealand in 70 years. A state of drought was declared in the Bay of Plenty on March 6 this year, followed by a nationwide drought declaration on March 15. Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers vice-president John Scrimgeour unloads the last shipment of feed from the South Island for drought stricken farmers. Yesterday the Ministry of Primary Industries released a report on the drought that showed it was the most widespread drought in NZ since the 1972-73 drought that affected Wairarapa, Tasman, Otago and Southland. The Bay of Plenty was named as one of the worst affected areas, along with southern Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Central North Island, Gisborne, Hawke’s Bay, Wairarapa, and parts of the north and west of the South Island. Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers vice-president John Scrimgeour says growing conditions are great post-drought. Declaration of an adverse event means the Government provides extra funding through Rural Support Trusts to support rural communities, and that some people experiencing hardship may also be eligible for income support through Rural Assistance Payments. Some tax measures can also be accessed through Inland Revenue.
Posted on: Fri, 26 Jul 2013 22:06:27 +0000
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