Support for rural communities living in drought has been extended across the top of the South Island.

Photo: RNZ/ Patrick Phelps

Minister for Agriculture and Rural Communities Damien O'Connor announced today the Marlborough, Buller and Nelson will have the same drought classification as the Tasman.

Mr O'Connor said a further $30,000 would be earmarked to bolster recovery activities.

Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King

He said the extreme and prolonged dry spell had taken its toll on farmers and growers in the area with many being forced to reduce their stock numbers and choose which crops to water or let die off.

The funding would go towards local support groups, pastoral care and resources for recovery, he said.

The government allocated $100,000 to the Top of the South Island Rural Support Trust to support farmers hit by the drought and fires last month.