After last week’s weather warnings, cyclone Wilma certainly delivered what she promised – rain, and lots of it.

Most areas of the North Island, particularly the dry northern areas, received a heavy dumping of rain over the weekend, some areas registering more than 280mm over just 12 hours on Friday!

Some farmers in Northland are worried about the state of pasture and fences, as slips, flooding and erosion resulted from the downpour.

Federated Farmers Northland President Matthew Long says he’s received calls from all over the district reporting damage to many farm properties.

"From my point of view, the drought may be over, but the financial effects will still be lingering.

"People will still have to buy in feed, and restock if they’ve sold off stock, and it will be more expensive now than ever.

"Saying that, the rain is very welcome overall."

Mr Long says while most were hoping for rain after such a dry summer, this is definitely not what they had in mind. 

Reports from many regions suggest that MAF may review the collective drought status of most of the North Island.

All of the country north of Taupo was officially declared a drought zone in December, while applications from Manawatu and Taranaki have been placed on hold after recent rains.

Federated Farmers Ruapehu President Lyn Neeson says they’ve recommended a review of the region’s drought status to MAF. 

Ms Neeson says many farmers who were forced to sell off stock during the drought will be feeling the pain for years to come, and other parts of the north are in the same boat.

For latest drought info, head to MAF's update centre, here.