A total fire ban is now in effect for the entire Southland District.

The ban, which came in effect at 6am this morning (29 March), also suspends all existing permits until further notice.

Southland District Manager, Julian Tohiariki said the extended dry weather conditions, current water levels, and restrictions have prompted this decision.

"Southland has experienced lower than normal rainfall and higher than usual temperatures," he said.

"It’s dry out there, and the NIWA long range weather forecast does not predict any significant rainfall for the Southland District in the near future."

Tohiariki also urges hunters heading into the bush for the roar to be vigilant and take extreme caution in these areas.