Read at : Google Alert - drought

http://www.newstalkzb.co.nz/newsdetail1.asp?storyID=134684

Support payments for drought-hit families

27/03/2008

Rural families in drought affected areas will get special support payments from the Government if they need them. Social Development Minister Ruth Dyson says they will apply to eligible farmers in Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Taranaki, Manawatu, Wanganui, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago and Southland. Ms Dyson says the rural assistance payments are specially targeted to those in need and are designed to cover essential living costs only. The payments are set at three quarters of the level of the unemployment benefit. Applicants will have to meet income and asset tests to qualify.