What is El Niño?
El Niño is a natural climate pattern that can influence our weather.
It can bring increased risk of:
- drought and water shortages
- wildfires
- heat-related human and animal health concerns
- flooding.
Impact on New Zealand
The effects of El Niño vary, depending on its strength, the time of year, and part of the country you live in.
Earth Sciences New Zealand is anticipating a significant El Niño could influence weather patterns from this winter onwards.
Winter
- More south-westerly winds
- Reduced rainfall in the east of both islands and upper North Island
- Increased rainfall to Southland, coastal Otago, and western facing areas
- Cooler temperatures.
Spring and autumn
- Stronger or more frequent south westerlies
- Mix of summer and winter effects.
Summer
- Stronger or more frequent westerly winds
- Dryer conditions in the east
- More rain in Southland, parts of Otago, and western areas, primarily of the South Island.
Media release: Formidable El Niño expected to arrive this winter – NIWA
El Niño can have significant impacts for the primary sector.
Its events in 1972–1973, 1982–1983, and 1997–1998 caused severe droughts in eastern parts of the country.
Preparing for El Niño
El Niño increases the chances of more frequent and extreme adverse weather events.
If you are a farmer, grower, or lifestyle block owner, you need to be prepared.
What you can do to prepare
Create a plan
Set dates for key decisions depending on:
- financial
- climate
- soil moisture, and
- feed conditions.
Discuss your plan with trusted advisers and keep it up to date.
Make decisions early and take action.
Monitor seasonal forecasts, and extreme weather and fire warnings.
Livestock feed for pastoral farmers
Feed is key. Conserve feed surpluses and assess the potential for summer fodder crops.
Use a feed budget to meet your planned livestock numbers and address feed deficits early.
Prioritise livestock for destocking early and feed the remainder as well as possible.
Use irrigation water efficiently and plan for water restrictions.
Resources and support
Have a robust and realistic financial budget and keep it up to date. Your bank or levy organisation has resources available if you need them.
If you’re new to farming, growing, or a district, talk to experts who have been through an El Niño event before:
- your neighbours
- farm adviser
- bank adviser
- accountant
- veterinarian
- other professional advisers.
Make time for yourself, your staff, and your family. Look out for your neighbours. Sometimes a few hours away from the business can make a huge difference.
Look after your animals and regularly monitor their condition.
Ask for help if you need it.
Where to go for advice and information
Agencies are ready to help you with support and advice. Start with On Farm Support.
- Phone 0800 707 133
- Email onfarmsupport@mpi.govt.nz
- Check the On Farm Support web page
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