Hikurangi Swamp farmers, whose land flooded when stop banks overflowed, will receive three truck loads of supplementary feed. Photo/Tania Newman
Hikurangi Swamp farmers, whose land flooded when stop banks overflowed, will receive three truck loads of supplementary feed. Photo/Tania Newman
Northland farmers struggling to feed their stock after recent floods will get some relief from today when the first of five truckloads of feed arrive.
Northland Rural Support Trust (NRST) spokeswoman Julie Jonkers said farmers were struggling after three bad storms in the past two months, but the generosity ofthe farming community in Taranaki and Bay of Plenty means five truckloads of feed are on their way.
"It's just a drop in the bucket of what we need up here, but it's an amazing response and shows the farming community sticks together in times of adversity like this," Ms Jonkers said.
One of the trucks was due at Tangiteroria about noon today while another would go to Kaihu. The other three would arrive for farmers in the Hikurangi Swamp later in the week.
The extra feed was organised by the Rural Support Trust network and Federated Farmers and Ms Jonkers said it would provide much-needed relief.
"It's really an opportunity for farmers to talk about the situation and share ideas with others away from their farms."
The first two free meals will be held tomorrow at Mamaranui Bowling Club, Mamaranui Rd, Kaihu, and Mangakahia Sports Complex, corner of Kerehunga and Mangakahia Rds, Poroti, both from 6pm to 8pm.
Thursday will see the free meals and get-togethers at Awanui Rugby Club, SH1. Awanui, from 11.30am to 1.30pm and Tangiteroria Community Complex, Pukehuia Rd, Tangiteroria from 6pm to 8pm and at Kaikohe RSA, 158 Upper Broadway, Kaikohe, 6pm to 8pm.
A final free meal and get-together will be held at Hikurangi Rugby Club, Park S, Hikurangi, 6pm to 8pm on Friday.
