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Special Needs Grant : Contents

North and South Island drought 2025

Rural assistance payments have been activated for farmers with a Primary Industry in Northland, Waikato, Horizons, Taranaki, and Top of the South that has been affected by drought conditions.

The following territorial authorities have been assessed as affected:

  • Far North District Council
  • Whangarei District Council
  • Thames-Coromandel District Council
  • Kaipara District Council
  • Waikato District Council
  • Hauraki District Council
  • Matamata-Piako District Council
  • Waipā District Council
  • South Waikato District Council
  • Rotorua Lakes Council
  • Taupō District Council
  • Hamilton City Council
  • Ōtorohanga District Council
  • Waitomo District Council
  • New Plymouth District Council
  • Stratford District Council
  • South Taranaki District Council
  • Whanganui District Council
  • Ruapehu District Council
  • Rangitikei District Council
  • Manawatū District Council
  • Horowhenua District Council
  • Palmerston North District Council
  • Tararua District Council
  • Marlborough District Council
  • Nelson City Council
  • Tasman District Council

Start and end date

Rural assistance payments have been activated for affected areas from 28 April 2025 until the close of 28 October 2025.

There is no restriction on the number of payments that can be made in a 52-week period, but payments can only be made during the activation period.

For more information see:

Legislation

  • Special Assistance to the Rural Sector Part 6 Special Needs Grant Programme
  • Special Needs Grants Programme - Approvals granted for rural assistance Approval dated 14 April 2025
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