Droughts

Some parts of New Zealand may experience drought and the rural sector, relying directly on the environment, can be particularly affected.

For more information on drought, see the Drought Guide.

For more information on the Ministry for Primary Industries classification of adverse events, see the Government Assistance for Adverse Climatic Events Impacting On-farm.

Assistance Available

The classification of a drought as a medium or large-scale event provides the mechansim for a package of relief measures from different government agencies for rural land-based businesses (pastoral, horticultural and forestry). A package could include tax relief, financial assistance, and counselling. For more information on the assistance available refer to the Need Help with Drought Relief? brochure.

Rural Support Trusts are part of a nationwide network and can assist with applications for Rural Assistance Payments (RAPs) and other relief measures. Rural Support Trusts can also help work through options to manage both your farming business and the stress that drought can cause to you and your family. Where a trust does not offer a particular service themselves, they are well connected within rural communities and can facilitate a referral to an appropriate individual or other organisation.