The Government is now officially recognising a drought, in parts of the lower North Island.
Farmers' leaders in Taranaki asked for support yesterday.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has released $160,000 in funding, through the Rural Support Trust.
The drought relief is being made available to farmers in Taranaki and parts of the Manawatu-Whanganui and Wellington regions.
He says the fast-growing drought in parts of the lower North Island is to be classified as a medium-scale adverse event.
Mr O’Connor will be in Taranaki today, visiting affected farmers.
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