Hon Nathan Guy
Minister for Primary Industries
22 March 2013
Drought declared in Buller and Grey Districts
A state of drought has been officially declared in the Buller and Grey Districts today by Primary Industries Minister
Nathan Guy.
This follows a meeting held this afternoon in Greymouth at which local farmers asked the Government for a drought
declaration.
“The rain over the last week has not been enough to help these districts, and there is only limited rain forecast for
the next two weeks.
“It is very unusual for the West Coast to experience drought conditions and is not something that local farmers are used
to. It shows just how extreme this dry period has been.
“Conditions have deteriorated quickly, and local farmers have asked the Government to recognise the tough situation they
are facing.
“I’ve been in touch with the local Rural Support Trust and Federated Farmers to get a feel for the situation on the
ground. I’m concerned to hear there have been frosts this week, which is a sign that winter is on its way and will slow
pasture growth recovery.
“This decision has been made after an assessment from the Ministry for Primary Industries, including consultation with
the communities affected.
“This means that extra Government funding will now be available to the local Rural Support Trust which works 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.
“Farmers should contact their accountant or the IRD if they need help or flexibility with the timing of tax payments,
and standard hardship assistance is available from Work and Income,” says Mr Guy.
The entire North Island remains in a state of drought.
Regularly updated drought information is available at: http://www.mpi.govt.nz/environment-natural-resources/funding-programmes/primary-sector-recovery/droughts/dry-conditions-2012-13-faqs
View the regions covered by drought declaration here.
ENDS