Drought information for farmers in Wairarapa

Drought conditions in the Wairarapa

This page outlines the types of assistance available to help you get through this year’s drought and to recover quickly when conditions improve.

The current drought affecting the Wairarapa region is one of the worst in many decades with river flows, soil water and pasture cover very low, and rainfall over the last 12 months the lowest since the drought of 1972/73 and second lowest since record began 45 years ago. It is likely that even if rain comes in the near future, the effects of the drought will continue for some time and the de-stocking that is occurring will have a major impact on future productivity and a flow on effect into the wider community.

A Wairarapa Drought Committee was formed on 5 March. The committee comprises representatives from Federated Farmers, Greater Wellington and local politicians and it will be collating information on assistance that is available to farmers and holding local meetings for farmers.

% average rainfall Nov 07 - Feb 08

Click here for information about financial and counselling assistance and other useful tips

Click here for drought management information and other resources from Greater Wellington

Click here for drought committee contact details

Click here for Greater Wellington’s interim drought report

Click here for monthly rainfall and river flow summaries