Support for Horizons Region following dry conditions

A prolonged period of dry conditions in the Horizons Region has resulted in a region-wide medium-scale adverse event declaration.

The declaration was announced late last week by agricultural minister Todd McClay, and sees the Horizons Region join other parts of Aotearoa New Zealand experiencing extreme dry conditions, including neighbouring Taranaki and Waikato regions.
 
Horizons group manager strategy, science and regulation Dr Lizzie Daly says the declaration follows months of low rainfall levels across most of the region.
 
“As of 11 March, five of our seven districts have received below average or low levels of rainfall compared to what we expect for this time of year.”
 
Dr Daly says the lack of significant rainfall means waterways are at or nearing the point where water abstraction needs to be carefully managed.
 
“Low rainfall levels have a knock-on effect, causing low river flow which leads to reduced recharge of groundwater reservoirs.
 
“These conditions mean many of our monitoring sites have been moving in and out of low flow water restrictions over the past few months.”
 
According to forecasts, dry conditions also aren’t expected to change anytime soon, says Dr Daly.
 
“NIWA’s drought forecasting model, as well as Metservice forecasts, show that it’s unlikely our region will experience significant enough rainfall in the coming month to change current conditions.
 
“Of course, forecasting models are never 100 percent accurate, but we’re not anticipating conditions to improve in the short term.”
 
Dr Daly says consent holders should continue to regularly check Horizons’ EnviroData and WaterMatters resources to stay up to date with restrictions.
 
“Consent holders unsure of their individual resource consent conditions can contact us on freephone 0508 800 800 for information.”
 
Water is essential for cultural, economic, environmental and social wellbeing, says Dr Daly.
 
“We all rely on water to be there when we turn on the tap. It’s important we maintain sufficient flow in waterways to ensure we have enough for everyone, and to protect our region’s ecosystems.”
 
Horizons senior emergency management advisor – resilience Matthew Putt says the minister’s declaration unlocks necessary funding avenues for affected communities from MPI, MSD and the IRD.
 
“On 7 March Minister McClay announced the government has made $100,000 in funding available to rural support groups and organisations across the sector to provide support on the ground in all affected regions.
 
“The Manawatū-Whanganui Civil Defence Emergency Management Rural Coordination Group, made up of representatives from various regional Rural Support Trusts, numerous key industry partners, and district councils, is actively monitoring the situation to provide accurate and timely information and support to affected communities.
 
“We encourage anyone who may be struggling as a result of dry conditions in our region to reach out to your Rural Support Trust,” he says.
 
“Trusts are equipped to provide advice and support on a range of issues. If you’re experiencing hardship on your farm, whether it be due to adverse weather, financial reasons, family or employment relationships, animal welfare concerns, or your mental wellbeing, your Rural Support Trust will be able to help.”
 
Resources for farmers, growers and landowners:
Landowners experiencing hardship can contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP (0800 787 254), or by visiting their website at rural-support.org.nz.
 
MPI advice on dealing with drought conditions: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/funding-rural-support/adverse-events/dealing-with-drought-conditions/
 
MPI advice on preparing animals for emergencies: https://www.mpi.govt.nz/animals/animal-welfare/animal-welfare-emergency-management/preparing-animals-for-emergencies/
 
DairyNZ advice on preparing for dry weather: https://www.dairynz.co.nz/feed/fundamentals/summer-preparation/?fbclid=IwY2xjawI8ZARleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHRq2N_Pl1nY2WiJxIF0ooB34a3jgdehkoT4WPRY0RuH-koUaPT_dKhMngg_aem_zKSDy2n5WlRyau5HtCo2Aw
 
Beef and Lamb drought resources: https://beeflambnz.com/knowledge-hub/adverse-events/drought-resources?fbclid=IwY2xjawI8ZD5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVjZLqn_QH-Jcm1S-qhdPx8ouU4_oCYf5Jj-hqeOrNsE-noZOCT6Wd0yNA_aem_i36x9suq2IeKNl0M4Hk8Aw
 
Feedsmart’s Feed Calculator: https://www.feedsmart.co.nz/
 
Horizons Regional Council’s Lifestyle Block Owner’s Emergency Preparedness Handbook: https://www.horizons.govt.nz/HRC/media/Media/Emergency%20Management/Lifestyle-Block-Emergency-Preparedness-Handbook-Edits-Screen.pdf