Drought declarations and water restrictions 2025

The story so far

The drought story began in late February 2025, when Agriculture Minister Todd McClay classified drought conditions in Taranaki as a medium-scale adverse event.^{27 Feb 2025} On 7 March the same classification was extended to Northland, Waikato, Horizons and Marlborough-Tasman, and the government pledged financial support to affected farmers and growers.^{7, 8 Mar 2025} Dry conditions forced farmers to sell livestock early, milk stock once a day or send them to works early, and worsening drought lowered river and soil moisture in the Far North.^{27 Feb 2025; 8, 13 Mar 2025} Level 4 water restrictions in Dargaville and Baylys Beach banned all outdoor water use and limited town water to essential purposes.^{13 Mar 2025}

Latest

Residents have been asked to reduce outdoor water use, shorten showers and limit car washes as dry weather is expected to continue.^{20 Mar 2025}

Key moments

1. 27 Feb 2025Taranaki drought classified as a medium-scale adverse event.
2. 7 Mar 2025Drought classification extended to four more regions, with financial support pledged.
3. 8 Mar 2025Northland farmers describe conditions as dire and cut stock handling.
4. 13 Mar 2025Far North water levels fall and Waikato grazing contracts become a concern.
5. 13 Mar 2025Level 4 water restrictions imposed in Dargaville and Baylys Beach.
6. 20 Mar 2025Auckland activates drought plan as dam levels drop below trigger point.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.