Brown New Zealand

In our four years here in New Zealand, we have been continually struck by how incredibly green the 'world' is. Since it tends to rain a couple of times each week (pretty well EVERY week!) that is no wonder really!
However, when the clouds ceased to gather for days and even weeks at a time, we realised that perhaps there was indeed somewhat of a drought situation looming.

Also, you need to bear in mind that we have heard the word 'drought' bandied about before and have silently rolled our eyes and sighed, thinking that these folks have no idea what a DROUGHT looks like! After all, water is so plentiful in New Zealand that no attempt is ever made to conserve it and the rivers rush into the sea, to be lost forever. Water restrictions are as rare as car guards and we don't even pay for water where we live - I have an idea that the folks in the cities pay for water, but we 'what are rural' don't.
Evidently, the situation is now so dire that farmers are 'drying' out cows, sending stock to the slaughterhouse and selling off cows and sheep to anyone who thinks they can feed them - the worst drought in living memory is what they are all saying.
Even us african foreigners (as a nation of ex-pats here in NZ) who never seem to have enough sunshine, are beginning to feel like 'it's enough summer already!' and have been looking forward to some welcome showers.

WELLINGTON, New Zealand, March 15 (UPI) -- Scientists say a drought on New Zealand's entire North Island is the worst in 30 years, with the capital Wellington having just 18 days of water supply left.

Parts of the South Island could soon be hit, they said, with farmers particularly vulnerable.

Agriculture, a prime driver of New Zealand's economy, has suffered losses estimated at $820 million, the BBC reported Friday.

"What we are telling our farmers is forget about this season, start concentrating on next season," said Derek Spratt, the chairman of New Zealand's Rural Support Trust.

A forecast of rain this weekend, the first in two months, could bring some relief, officials said.

The impact of the drought is visible from space, with satellites capturing images of large parts of New Zealand turned from lush green to parched brown.

Not everyone has reason to complain, though; New Zealand winemakers say the current sun-soaked conditions are perfect for their vineyards.

Every cloud has a silver lining!!

Dis al!

PS The weather bureau forecasted a good couple of showers for the beginning of this week - after a rather patchy start, we have had considerable rain over the past 24 hours and although it's not been enough to break the drought in it's entirety, nor is it going to set in for long enough, with fine weather due to return towards the end of the week, it appears that things could turn around for the struggling farmers. We have been warned to expect rises in prices of dairy and meat! Now there is a big surprise!!