2 Feb 2011

MAF will leave drought declarations in place

9:33 am on 2 February 2011

The Ministry of Agriculture is to leave drought declarations in place, despite many North Island regions no longer being in drought.

Agriculture Minister David Carter says rainfall over the past two weeks will have been enough in all areas to replenish heavily-depleted soil moisture levels.

But he says drought relief will remain in place because a number of farmers are still under financial and emotional pressure.

Northland, North Auckland, Waikato and the Ruapehu District were officially declared to be in drought in December.

MAF is still considering an application from Manawatu/Rangitikei for drought status.