Drought declared across parts of New Zealand

On 28 March 2024, Minister for Agriculture Todd McClay declared a medium-scale adverse event for the Greater Wellington (including Horowhenua and the Wairarapa), Manawatu-Wanganui (including Tararua), Taranaki and Northland regions because of the current drought conditions.

This declaration is an extension of the previous classifications, announced on:

• 14 March 2024, for Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson districts
• 21 March 2024, for the Canterbury and Otago regions.

To help affected farmers and growers, we are allowing late deposits for the income equalisation scheme, for the 2023 year, until 30 June 2024.

We are also allowing early withdrawals if the deposit was made before:

• 14 March 2024 (for affected customers in the Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson districts)
• 21 March 2024 (for affected customers in the Canterbury and Otago regions)
• 28 March 2024 (for affected customers in the Greater Wellington (including Horowhenua and the Wairarapa), Manawatu-Wanganui (including Tararua), Taranaki and Northland regions.

Read more about discretionary relief and standard support available.

Discretionary relief
Tax relief for adverse and emergency events