Agriculture Minister David Carter has declared drought in the Waikato. David has also announced Rodney, Papakura and Manukau districts are in drought. These areas join Northland as drought affected areas after it was declared in drought in January.

Making this declaration is a major step, but an unavoidable one, says David.
"The current situation in the upper North Island is grim and there is no immediate relief in sight," says David.
"Without adequate rain, it is likely that farmers in Northland and Waikato will be facing feed shortages going into winter, so now is the time to prepare."
Being declared a medium-level drought zone means the government will now provide some relief measures for these regions.
These include welfare support, farm management advice and some tax assistance.