Drought hurting other businesses across country

Professional mowers are feeling the heat with lawns dying off and their services not in demand.

Jim's Mowing franchisor Graham Reichardt said there were five franchisees in Rotorua and each had been affected by the long dry summer.

"Instead of making $3000 a fortnight they're down to $3000 for every three or four weeks," he said.

"The standard fees are still there - they have to still pay insurances, mortgages, franchise fees. They have to be paid regardless. They end up not having enough income to cover their outgoings."

He said while farmers were able to apply for Government handouts due to the drought, the same benefits were not available to other drought-affected businesses.

An independent mowing contractor said he started a mowing business five months ago as his main income, but was now struggling.

"It's been tough at home, I'm trying to find other jobs to do," said the man, who didn't want to be named. "I can't wait for the rain, it will be good for lots of people. We've been watching the forecast every day, usually you wouldn't want it to rain but there's nothing growing at the moment, just the yellow daisies coming up."

He said lawns he had been mowing every two to three weeks are now being mowed every four to five. He is now carrying out odd jobs for people.

Rain is forecast for today and Sunday.