A state of drought has been officially declared in the Bay of Plenty today.

The Minister of Primary Industries Nathan Guy made the announcement today declaring a drought in the Bay of Plenty, Hawke's Bay, Waikato, and South Auckland areas.

The Bay of Plenty has been declared a drought zone.

The area covers all of the Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay Regional Council areas – including Coromandel and Taupo and Auckland Council area south of the Harbour Bridge.

'This is recognition that farmers across the North Island are facing extremely difficult conditions, and follows on from the announcement of drought in Northland last week,” says the Minister.

The declaration of a medium-scale event means extra Government funding is available to Rural Support Trusts.

'These organisations work closely with farmers, providing support and guidance in what is a very tough time.

'I realise these can be stressful times for rural families, and they need to know who to turn to for support.

There will also be Rural Assistance Payments (RAPs) available from Work and Income, through the Ministry of Social Development.

"These are equivalent to the unemployment benefit and are available to those in extreme hardship. This decision has been made after consultation with the communities affected, and an assessment from the Ministry for Primary Industries."

Bay of Plenty provincial president for Federated Farmers, John Scrimgeour is pleased with today's announcement that will allow farmers to get assistance.

'What it means through the Rural Support Trust they can channel advice and support networks, and they may even be able to help with sourcing feed in some circumstances.

'If farmers are in serious hardship, in extreme cases they can get a rural assistance packages grant so that is there as a back stop but not many people qualify.”

Drought conditions in the Bay of Plenty are widespread, says John.

'The wetter country farms haven't been impacted quite as severely, but it's pretty much right through. Galatea's pretty dry. And the coastal country where they are off the immediate flat that tends to be a bit wetter.”

The support package is intended for farmers who make their sole income off their land, but it may also apply to lifestyle block owners, says John.

'If there are lifestyle people who have stock they are struggling to feed, I'm sure they can seek assistance in that respect through the trust. The whole purpose is to see that neither man nor beast suffers unduly.

'The frustrating thing for farmers or for everybody really, is the weeks roll by and they look at the sky and wonder when the rain is coming, and there is still no sign of it.”

Federated Farmers Waikato provincial president James Houghton says moisture deficit is so high in many places that even if it started raining tonight, it could be about four weeks before grass recovers enough for stock to graze on.

At least 150 mm of rain is needed to quench the dry soils.

The extended period of hot and dry weather over the last couple of months has left dairy and sheep and beef farmers alike with parched paddocks and burnt and stunted feed crops.

'Most farmers have been either feeding out supplementary feeds or de-stocking, but the situation has become critical as supplies dwindle and farmers are being forced to sell valuable capital stock," says James.

"In the 2008 drought other North Island regions were doing quite well, which gave us more options in terms of selling stock and buying feed. This year we are having to look to the South Island, and it is getting pretty dry down there too."

Nathan says the entire North Island is dry, and he is keeping a close eye on other parts of the East Coast, as well as Wairarapa, Manawatu and Taranaki.

'Farmers badly need some rainfall during March and April to help prepare for the winter and set up for next spring.

'It's important to note that support is available from Government agencies in all regions, even without a drought declaration. Farmers should contact IRD if they need help or flexibility with making tax payments, and standard hardship assistance is available from Work and Income.

'The conditions are also creating challenges for lifestyle block owners, and we urge them to take action early,” says Nathan.

Coromandel MP Scott Simpson says it has been clear for a number of weeks that New Zealand is beyond a normal dry summer.

"The entire region is extremely dry and our rural sector needs our support,” says Scott.

'I know that farmers have already been taking practical steps to deal with the dry conditions, such as destocking and switching to once a day milking, but it's important to plan ahead and to ask for help when needed.

'I really want to urge farmers to make use of the supports that are available now. I know our farmers are a resolute and determined bunch of people but please use everything that it available to you to ease the pressure during this tough times."

Federated Farmers has activated its 0800 DROUGHT (0800 376 844) feed line, matching those who need feed with those who have some to spare. This is available to all farmers not just members.

More information is available at http://www.mpi.govt.nz/environment-natural-resources/funding-programmes/primary-sector-recovery/droughts/dry-conditions-2012-13-faqs