Map showing areas affected by drought in the South Island.
Drought conditions have officially been declared along the East Coast of New Zealand by Primary Industries minister Nathan Guy.
Mr Guy made the announcement of an ''medium scale adverse event'' at the Opuha Dam, in South Canterbury, this morning.
"This is recognition of the extreme dry conditions farmers and growers are facing and triggers additional Government support,'' Mr Guy said.
The areas affected include Otago, excluding South Otago and parts of Canterbury and Marlborough.
Extra Government funding will become available for Rural Support Trusts to provide support and guidance and rural assistance payments would be made available from Work and Income.
