Will Foley: Communities rally to help after storm

Will Foley.

Local communities pitching in has made a world of difference to people affected by the recent snowstorm in north-west Hawke's Bay and Rangitaiki Plains.

The event was somewhat a "Catch 22" for farmers, until the snowstorm it had largely been a warmer but drier winter for most.

The dry areas desperately needed some rain to kick-start the impending spring period.
When rain appeared on the long-range forecast you could hear the sighs of relief but, as it got closer, warning signs appeared as rain was to be combined with snow and plummeting temperatures.

August coincides with a busy time for lambing flocks in lower-lying country throughout Hawke's Bay and cold, heavy rain could not have come at a worse time.

While not uncommon in the high country, the amount of snowfall in northern Hawke's Bay was enough to interrupt people's regular daily operations.

Civil Defence immediately sprang into action as access was restricted and parts of the community were stranded without electricity and communication.

By Monday, Federated Farmers and other primary industry groups joined the Rural Response Group which has been effective in helping farmers.

It was my first adverse event as provincial president and it was great to see such a willingness to help those in need from the whole community.

The power line staff went out in severely cold conditions, working long hours to rebuild the lines network that had come down in the storm.

After power had been restored, focus quickly turned to access to livestock and feed supplies, labour resource to help with any damage and the mental wellbeing of all those affected.

It's hard work recovering from the storm, draining on all, and does come at a cost.

The effects on many farmers could be ongoing, so it's important we continue to check on our neighbours, friends and community well after this event.

Federated Farmers is calling able hands with the skills and experience in relief milking and or feeding out to offer some time on affected farms to allow farmers to have a break.

- If you are in the area and could help out, please email me: wfoley@clear.net.nz.

- Will Foley is Federated Farmers' provincial president.