Mayor Allan Sanson’s Message on Drought – March 2013

What started out as a great summer has transformed itself into the menace that is drought.

Coming from a farming background, I realise just how tough people in our rural communities are finding it at the moment, and all of you have my deepest sympathies.

We are a predominantly rural district, and this means that farming is the backbone of our economy. Unlike a flood, a drought is a slow, lingering crisis that can lead to a gradual build-up of stress levels for farmers, their families and their communities.

I would ask any farmers that feel like they need help, reach out to someone such as the Rural Support Trust. We Kiwis pride ourselves on being tough and independent, but in circumstances such as this there is nothing wrong with asking for help; for your own sake and for your families.

If the financial burden is starting to bite, your council can help out with a range of payment options for rates. Call one of the rates team on 0800 492 452 to find out more.

For those living in town, I would ask you to please do everything you can to conserve water. Further information and tips on how to save water are available on the council website, http://www.waikatodistrict.govt.nz/.

The rain we have had over the past few days will probably not be enough to break the drought or replenish our supplies. Personally I can never remember seeing the Waikato River, the lifeline of our district, as low as it has been recently.
Given that this is the second major drought in five years, and many scientists predicting drier years to become the norm, I think it is timely that we consider investigating options for water use, water storage and conservation in the years to come.

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