Stuff.co.nz,Susan Botting, Local Democracy Reporter,  Feb 28 2020

Far North District Council’s drought bill is more than $6 million and counting.

The drought has already cost Far North District Council (FNDC) $6.3 million. That figure is increasing by up to $100,000 a day.

The drought’s cost is expected to climb closer to $9 million by May, when weather could turn around.

FNDC Mayor John Carter told a council meeting those were “crisis costs”.

More:  https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/politics/local-democracy-reporting/119878153/northland-drought-water-shortage-costs-far-north-district-council-6m-and-counting