Drought

New Zealand Drought

The 2012-13 drought has been confirmed as the worst in nearly 70 years for large parts of the country.

An assessment published today said the dry conditions had been unusually widespread, with a severity similar to that of 1945-46.

Although drought conditions had dissipated with the onset of winter, and many farms had started to recover following good autumn conditions, the economic and social impact of the drought continued to be felt around the country. Recent snow made it harder for farmers to see themselves through the winter and manage feed supply and pastures.