Waikato District Council is an elected body responsible for managing resources and providing planning and new directions which will sustain and benefit the needs of the Waikato district in the present and future. The Council undertakes a broad list of activities to ensure the sustainability and safety of the district for its residents. It ensures access of farmers at the local level to government drought and flood assistance. Together with MAF, the Federated Farmers has set up Rural Support Trusts to provide assistance to rural communities in times of hardship, including during adverse events such as drought and floods.