Support has become available to farmers in the Waikato and South Auckland Primary Industries Adverse Event Cluster after recent flooding events.
The Cluster covers the South Auckland and Waikato regions and was set up in 2016 to bring together agencies from primary industries, central and local government to prepare for and co-ordinate responses to adverse events.
The heavy rainfall last month was classified as a medium-scale adverse event by Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor under the Government’s Primary Sector Recovery Policy.
Cluster chair Neil Bateup said the group met on January 31 to consider the impacts of the event, and collectively decided to request access to recovery measures under the Primary Sector Recovery Policy.
These included operational funding for the Rural Support Trust, clean-up support from Enhanced Task Force Green, and tax flexibility provisions from Inland Revenue.
“Look after your wellbeing and take a moment to check on your neighbours,” he said.
“If you need advice and support, you can call the Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust, your rural professionals, or industry groups and supply contacts.
“We are all here and connected to support you to recover from this event.”
Mr Bateup said there had been widespread rainfall and localised flooding across the Waikato with the Coromandel having the greatest impacts.
“The risk of slips is not yet over, take care travelling on roads, traversing hills, and check bridges for structural damage after flood water recedes,” he said.
“Looking ahead, this unusual weather pattern is likely to continue for the summer, so clear debris, silt traps and check culverts to ensure they remain intact.”
For more information contact Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254 or visit www.rural-support.org.nz
