The Government is organising further support for farming families battling the after effects of the drought.
The Ministry of Health is working with local organisations in drought-afflicted rural communities to organise the workshops, teaching people to recognise mental health issues and how to respond.
Associate Health Minister Jo Goodhew says it's been an extremely trying time for many farmers and the impacts could continue for years.
She says for some farmers, getting through winter and early spring is going to be challenging, and rural people under stress from battling the effects of the drought need to recognise when they need help and know where to go to get it.
Organisations such as Rural Women, Federated Farmers and the Rural Health Alliance have also been co-ordinating efforts to tackle depression in rural areas.
The dates and locations of the mental health workshops will be announced soon.
