Crops destroyed in Gisborne floods valued at $5m

Growers face a $5 million loss after 3000ha of crops and prepared land were wiped out in the flood that swept through the Gisborne region a week ago.

The provisional figures were announced today and could rise.

District civil defence officer Richard Steele said the figures included land at both Tolaga Bay and the Poverty Bay Flats and was substantially more than initial estimates.

The figures came from growers who estimated their losses on forms submitted to the flood recovery team earlier this week.

Vegetable and Potato Growers Association president Brian Gargiulo flew over the region this morning and said the Government had a responsibility for the whole community and New Zealand, which would be affected by this disaster.

"There is a lot of land damaged out there and a lot of growers have lost a lot of crops which is going to affect their income going forward because many can't replant and get a season in this year," he said.

The worst-hit areas were around the river flats and around Tolaga Bay.

"People may think it is only growers that have been hurt but this is going to affect the whole community. This money will not be in Gisborne.

Mr Gargiulo will meet Agriculture Minister Jim Anderton in Christchurch this afternoon.

"I am going to tell him what I want the Government to do to help the growers. Hopefully, I can put a case for the growers and give him a clear picture about what has happened here."

- nzpa