On 21 March 2024, Minister for Agriculture, Todd McClay, declared a medium-scale adverse event for the Canterbury and Otago regions because of the current drought conditions. This declaration is an extension of the previous classification for Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson districts announced on 14 March 2024.
To help affected farmers and growers we have made a ‘class of case’ decision for the Income Equalisation Scheme to allow late deposits for the 2023 year until 30 June 2024, and allow early withdrawals if the deposit was made before to the 14 March 2024 (for affected customers in the Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson districts) or 21 March 2024 (for affected customers in the Canterbury and Otago regions).
We have more information about discretionary relief available.
The discretionary relief is in addition to our standard support that is available.