Breaking News - All North Island declared drought zone 15th March 2013

[JennyLeez]

From Weather Watch:

The entire North Island has officially been declared a drought zone.
The announcement was made on a Manawatu sheep and beef farm by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy this morning.
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay have already been declared to be in drought.
Manawatu, Rangitikei, Taranaki, East Coast, Wairarapa and Wellington have now been added to that list.
The declaration means that farmers in these regions will be entitled to receive Government assistance.
The drought is predicted to cost the economy $1 billion as hard-hit farmers struggle to feed stock.
Wellington is estimated to have just 18 days of water left while Aucklanders are being warned about the impact of the city's driest summer in 50 years.

and from the Herald:
The entire North Island has officially been declared a drought zone.
The announcement was made on a Manawatu sheep and beef farm by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy this morning.
Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawkes Bay have already been declared to be in drought.
Manawatu, Rangitikei, Taranaki, East Coast, Wairarapa and Wellington have now been added to that list.
The declaration means that farmers in these regions will be entitled to receive Government assistance.
The drought is predicted to cost the economy $1 billion as hard-hit farmers struggle to feed stock.
Mr Guy said it had become clear that nearly all farmers in every part of the North Island are facing very difficult dry conditions.
Extra Government funding will be available to Rural Support Trusts who work closely with farmers, providing support and guidance.
There will also be rural assistance payments - equivalent to the unemployment benefit - available from Work and Income to those in extreme hardship.

More here:
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=10871403

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