The Agriculture Minister is urging drought-affected farmers to plan for a tough winter and spring, despite rainfall over New Zealand this week.

David Carter says while the rain is a welcome relief, the full impact of the drought will last for some time yet.

As a result, he says the Government is expanding its assistance package to the Wairarapa and North Canterbury and also keeping assistance in place for other drought-affected areas.

How does winter look?  See NIWA’s prediction HERE