The current drought is hitting some parts of Wairarapa worse than others, and further specific drought relief is being sought, a committee in Masterton has heard.
The update was delivered to the Wairarapa committee of Greater Wellington Regional Council [GWRC] at its meeting yesterday.
Speaking to a report tabled on the drought declaration of a medium-scale adverse event for the region on March 28, a spokesperson said some areas are drier than others.
“It’s definitely different across the Wairarapa,” the spokesperson said.
“The Wairarapa coast and eastern [part] is extremely dry, so they are the most impacted communities at the moment.
“You do have pockets in the Ruamahanga Valley as well.”
The declaration means the availability of enhanced funding for rural communities, while further extra support has been applied for but not yet confirmed.
“A letter has been sent by Federated Farmers and the Rural Support Trust to try and get some more specific help to our rural communities,” the spokesperson said.
The declaration generally means extra support from agencies including the Ministry of Social Development.
“What they’re asking for is some funding for technological transfer. That means some consultants to help with farm budgets
