As rain finally falls in the Gisborne/Wairoa area, the Government has promised help for drought stricken farmers.
Agriculture Minister David Carter said farmers in parts of the Gisborne and Wairoa districts were suffering their third autumn drought.
He met today the Gisborne/Wairoa Drought Committee which has declared the region a drought area. The Government has agreed to relief measures.
"East Coast farmers are bearing the brunt of three years of extreme weather," Mr Carter said.
"While rain this week will be welcome, it will not be enough to alleviate the dry conditions. The Government knows this is putting severe pressure on rural communities and that they need help to get through this."
Assistance includes tax assistance measures, funding for farm management advice and funding for Rural Support Trusts to provide help.
"I can assure Gisborne and Wairoa districts that the Government, sector groups, local government and farm consultants are all working closely together to help farming families through this," Mr Carter said.
NZPA