The collation Government is providing more financial support to drought-stricken farmers and growers in many parts of
the country to help with essential living costs.
“Rural Assistance Payments have been made available in 38 districts affected by dry conditions to help eligible farmers
and growers whose income has taken a hit,” Social Development and Employment Minister Louise Upston says.
“These payments have been made available until 10 November 2024, when farmer incomes are expected to lift.”
Farmers and growers in the Northland, Taranaki, Horizons (Manawatu-Whanganui, including Tararua), Greater Wellington
(including Wairarapa), Top of the South (Marlborough, Tasman, and Nelson City), Canterbury, and Otago regional council
areas can now apply for this assistance from MSD.
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson encouraged any farmers or growers who are struggling to contact their Rural Support Trust to talk about the range of support that is available and get help, if needed, to apply for a Rural Assistance Payment.
“We know droughts can be tough to recover from and we recognise the lingering effects on affected rural communities.”
Notes on Rural Assistance Payments
Eligibility for a Rural Assistance Payment depends on how much a farmer or grower, and their partner, earns (not
including their farming business), as well as any money or off-farm assets they have.
More information on Rural Assistance Payments can be found here
The payment is available in these districts:Far North District CouncilWhangarei District CouncilKaipara District CouncilNew Plymouth District CouncilStratford District CouncilSouth Taranaki District CouncilWhanganui District CouncilRuapehu District CouncilRangitikei District CouncilManawatū District CouncilHorowhenua District CouncilPalmerston North District CouncilTararua District CouncilKāpiti District CouncilPorirua City CouncilUpper Hutt City CouncilHutt City CouncilWellington City CouncilMasterton District CouncilCarterton District CouncilSouth Wairarapa District CouncilMarlborough District CouncilNelson City CouncilTasman District CouncilKaikoura District CouncilHurunui District CouncilWaimakariri District CouncilChristchurch City Council including Banks PeninsulaSelwyn District CouncilAshburton District CouncilTimaru District CouncilMackenzie District CouncilWaimate District CouncilWaitaki District CouncilDunedin City CouncilCentral Otago District CouncilQueenstown Lakes District CouncilClutha District Council