Business dries up in drought

Waikato businesses dependent on water are struggling in the drought-hit area.

The driest summer in four years has caused almost all grass to dry up, leading to tough times for those who rely on grass for their business’s well-being.

Watson Mowing owner Dave Watson says his business is not currently operating due to the dry weather.

“The last four years we’ve managed to mow right through the summer. This year because of the drought it’s absolutely killed everything so no one needs their lawns mowed at all, and it’s getting worse. Normally we would at least have a few stalks to cut off but even they’re going now so that’s how dry it is. I do water blasting to help me through when the lawns aren’t growing and I started that but I was actually stopped by the council, so that’s killed my back up job as well.”

Hamilton City Council and the Waipa District council have restricted their areas to a level three water alert, meaning a total ban on domestic sprinklers.

Cambridge dry stock farmer Bruce Horner says his grass has died so he’s had to use his winter feed to keep his cows going.

“It’s only the start of March and I’ve used quite a bit already, it certainly has affected the plans. I can do one of two things, buy in extra feed or offload my stock at discounted prices because nobody else wants them either since they wouldn’t have any feed. It certainly is costing extra.”

Lisa Nairne, Senior Communications Advisor for the Waipa District council said although there is no compensation in place for businesses that rely on water, the Waikato Regional Council is preparing to approach the minister to have a drought declared.

“That will open up a whole range of help for the rural community.”