Half of NZ declared in drought A STATE of drought has been declared for the entire North Island of New Zealand. Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy says nearly all farmers in every part of the North Island are facing very difficult conditions. Mr Guy says parts of the South Island are also very dry, in particular the Grey and Buller districts, and he's keeping a close watch. "Some rain is forecast this weekend which is welcome news," he said on Friday at a withered Kimbolton farm in the Manawatu region. However, we will need more than this to help prepare for the winter and set up for next spring. Official declarations of drought gives farmers access to financial and other help. Drought had already been declared last month in Northland, followed earlier this month by declarations in South Auckland, Waikato, Bay of Plenty and Hawke's Bay. Some farmers had had no rain since January and were selling stock, while other farmers struggled to get enough feed and water for their animals.