It's official, there's a drought at the top of the South Island; something farmers have known for weeks but said the government has been too slow to act.
Agriculture Minister, Todd McClay today declared a medium scale adverse event after getting an urgent update from ministry officials on the ground this morning.
The declaration covers Marlborough, Tasman and Nelson districts.
It means farmers in the thick of it can get tax relief and the government has also topped up the local rural support trust with an extra $20,000.
Marlborough Federated Farmer president, Evan White speaks to Lisa Owen.
