The Government is expected to extend support for farmers struggling with the drought in parts of the South Island's east coast, tomorrow.
Parts of Otago and all of Canterbury and Marlborough were declared to be in drought a year ago and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy will extend the official drought period for another six months when he visits North Canterbury tomorrow.
There's been no consistent rain in the three regions for the past 18 months.
The minister's office said farmers had access to IRD flexibility tax repayments during the drought and $800,000 had gone into supporting Rural Support Trusts and rural mental health initiatives.
