Drought declared in more North Island regions

Six regions in the North Island are officially in drought and the Ministry for Primary Industries says rainfall in the next two months will be critical as farmers prepare for winter.

Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy declared a drought in five North Island regions on Wednesday.

South Auckland, Waikato including Taupo, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Hawke's Bay have been added to the drought declared in Northland last week.