There are concerns that last year’s drought conditions could be repeated in Northland where conditions are dry again, albeit not as severely as in 2020. Grass on the east coast was drying out again, and strong winds are adding to fire danger.

Further south it is a different story according to Federated Farmers national president and Manawatū farmer Andrew Hoggard. “Right now, the entire farm is green, I’ve got lots of grass, I’ve made more hay and silage than I’ve done on this place in 22 years of farming here. So things are looking pretty solid for, you know, a good second half of the season.”

Central Otago was dry through December and into January, although its total fire ban was recently downgraded.