NEW job: Kristin Kirkpatrick has been appointed to the newly-created position of drought recovery and resilience coordinator. File picture
THE Ministry for Primary Industries has extended drought recovery support for farmers still feeling the effects of long-term dry conditions in parts of the North Island, including this region.
The large-scale adverse event classification has been pushed out for Gisborne, Hawke's Bay, parts of the Bay of Plenty and Taupo until November 30.
In Gisborne, this has enabled the creation of a drought recovery and resilience coordinator position until November 31, supported by a “dry” working group sub-committee of the Gisborne Rural Coordination Group (RCG).
The members of that group come from Federated Farmers, Beef and Lamb NZ, Te Puni Kokiri, Gisborne District Council, Fire and Emergency NZ, Rural Support Trust, Farming Women Tairawhiti, Agricultural Consultants and the Ministry for Primary Industries.
“I look forward to the added level of support we can provide with the role,” group chair Sandra Faulkner said.
“The basis of the role is to work with industry stakeholders and affected communities to help coordinate drought recovery and preparedness to enable a faster recovery and prepare for future drought risk, including the upcoming summer.
“Kristin Kirkpatrick has been contracted in the coordinator's role and has so far undertaken feedback from wider industry stakeholders to paint a picture of what is happening around the region.
“As a long-time advocate for our rural communities, I am delighted to see this role being established,” Mrs Faulkner said.
“Since the creation of the Gisborne/Wairoa Rural Coordination Group in 2015 we have known of the need for a farmer-facing liaison role such as this.
“Kristin has such passion for the people of the land and I see her energy and networks being of huge benefit to the food and fibre producers of this region.”
Mrs Kirkpatrick said she was excited to have the opportunity to listen carefully to farmers in the region about their experiences, and their ideas for creating opportunities to build resilience around extreme dry conditions and drought.
“They hold all of the answers,” she said.
Climate data shows eastern parts of New Zealand received less than half of their normal rainfall in the first five months of this year and had above average temperatures.
“This has been the second consecutive year of drought for these communities and parts of the North Island still have low groundwater levels,” Mrs Kirkpatrick said.
“The overwhelmingly clear theme so far from wider industry has been around planning and preparedness.
“With the July we have just had and lack of feed availability, we are potentially looking at another year of dry,” she said.
“It's never too early to have a plan. I don't think I can stress that enough.
“Predetermined decisions give the ability to reduce stress on stock, finances and most importantly, wellbeing, particularly given our farmers are in a period of decision fatigue.“ she said.
Mrs Faulkner said it was easy to see how rural business families were feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty around the Covid pandemic, an ever-evolving regulatory environment and the lingering effects of the drought.
“Because their day jobs can be isolating, farmers need to feel like they are part of a community — that someone hears them, is willing to learn from them and can speak for them when the pressure is on.
“The next step for Kristin is to connect and get feedback from farmers in the region to inform what workshops and events will take place.
“You can never be too prepared and this contract will allow for the creation of some workshops/events during October and November that will deliver on that outcome.”
“The beauty of this is that it will have a regional flavour and cater for the needs of our farming community,” Mrs Kirkpatrick said.
“If you are concerned about your feed levels and your drought recovery, there is already support out there and available, so please reach out.
“I encourage farmers who need help with feed planning or who need livestock feed or grazing to call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646), to access feed support.”
Available support services are the Rural Support Trust at 0800 787 254; Feed Planning Support Service 0800 233 352; Feed Coordination Service — Kate Wood 027 455 5204.
“Head to beeflambnz.com and mpi.govt.nz for more drought-related resources,” Mrs Kirkpatrick said.
“If you would like to speak to me about your experiences and ideas, please email kkagriprojects@gmail.com”