There’s some  good news for Northland farmers and growers.

All water restrictions have been lifted by Far North District Council thanks to the recent rain, which is forecast to continue.

Infrastructure manager Dave Penny  says river levels and soil moisture levels are picking up but cautions there’s still a long way to go.

Mr. Penny says the council is considering tapping into a new water supply for Kaitaia, and is also suggesting every property in smaller communities build water tanks to harvest rain water.

Federated Farmers says the winter will be a challenge for many Northland farmers. Despite the rain, there hasn’t been enough to break the drought in most of the region.

Northland Rural  Support Trust Co-ordinator Helen Moodie says most areas need another 30 - 50mm of rain to break the drought.