Support available for flood-affected farmers in Hauraki Coromandel

Waikato Hauraki Coromandel Rural Support Trust chairman Neil Bateup Photo / Barker Photograph

The farming and agriculture industry has been severely impacted by the series of recent weather events in Hauraki and the Coromandel.

Many primary producers have had their livelihoods decimated by flooding, wind and landslips and many will require direction as to business continuity as well as accessing emotional support.

Fortunately, the Waikato and South Auckland Primary Industries Adverse Event Cluster is in place and continues to meet to plan for and coordinate recovery support for farmers and growers.

The cluster covers the South Auckland and Waikato regions and was set up in 2016 to bring together agencies from the primary industries, and central and local government to prepare for and coordinate responses to adverse events.

The trusts’ facilitators are rural people and work with industry bodies and partners to navigate, support and help access relevant, practical information, advice and support to the rural community. Its services are confidential.

Neil Bateup, who chairs the Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust, says it’s important to plan ahead when it comes to animal feed, water, animal health and moving stock.

“There has been widespread rainfall and localised flooding across the region, power outages, slips and the roading network has taken a hammering in places, and it has been a pretty rough month for our farmers and growers in Auckland and Waikato, but also throughout much of the North Island,” he said.

Neil’s message to those in the sectors is to “look after your wellbeing and take a moment to check on your neighbours”.

“If you need advice and support, you can call your local 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.”

He said, “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. Looking ahead, this unusual weather pattern is likely to continue for the summer, so clear debris, silt traps and check culverts to ensure they remained intact.”

Should you need the assistance of the trust or need associated information on where to look for help, please visit the links below:

You can contact Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 or visit https://www.rural-support.org.nz/Regions/North-Island/Waikato-Hauraki-Coromandel

Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 or visit www.rural-support.org.nz

Information about dealing with floods at www.rural-support.org.nz/Adverse-Events/Flood

DairyNZ: www.dairynz.co.nz/business/adverse-events/flood/

Beef + Lamb New Zealand: beeflambnz.com/news-views/flood-support

Farmstrong www.farmstrong.co.nz