There are calls from North Canterbury farmers for flood water to be stored for times of drought.

Agriculture Minister David Carter has extended drought relief to farmers in North Canterbury and parts of the central North Island, as farmers suffer due to a dry Autumn.

North Canterbury Federated Farmers president Chris Sundstrum says there is not enough feed for cattle so many are being sold or shipped out for grazing.

"It really denotes the need for water storage of some of the flood water and excess water that happens at certain times of the year to be used to put on the land at drier times of the year."

Mr Sundstrum says the Government's drought relief measures which include tax assistance are good news for farmers in North Canterbury.

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There are calls for share market operator NZX to separate the regulatory and commercial sides of its business.

NZX is planning to buy a number of agricultural publications and already owns online media businesses.

Professional body Chartered Secretaries believes the NZX's role as both regulator and a participant in the exchange is a conflict of interest.

Chief executive Grant Diggle says the NZX has measures in place which supposedly separate its activities, but it is not enough.

"People in the market need to know for for sure that the regulator is the regulator is the regulator and that a market participant is a market participant and never the twain shall meet."

Mr Diggle says the situation is much like having a referee who is allowed to play the game.