Famers and other residents facing the effects of a drought like situation in Auckland south of the Harbour Bridge, the entire Waikato region and parts of Rotorua have indicated that they are uncertain about when a drought might be declared by the authorities.

There is uncertainty over when the Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy will declare a drought in the region in the North Island in New Zealand. Experts say that if the government declares a drought in the region, it will enable direct help including tax relief and special welfare payments for the farmers who are facing extreme circumstances.

Stewart Anderson, an official at the Ministry for Primary Industries has said that the Minister will be informed but said that he is not sure about when the drought will be declared. "I can't give an exact day, because the minister needs to consider what is put to him and make a decision," he said.

Government officials have said that the dry weather conditions are getting worse in the region and feed supplies are tightening. The Rural Support Trust has also recorded an increase in the number of calls from affected farmers in the area. Farmers across the North Island are facing difficulties with dairy horticulture and meat industries being severely affected.