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The Government has classified the past few months' of challenging weather conditions in Canterbury, Bay of Plenty, Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, as a medium-scale adverse event.

The Government has classified severe and challenging weather conditions in Canterbury, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti, as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking extra support for farmers and growers. 

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says significant rainfall, flooding, slips, and hailstorms have caused damage to farms, orchards, cropping operations, and vital transport infrastructure.  

“Last month, the Government immediately announced we would be providing up to $200,000 in extra funding to Rural Support Trusts in affected regions to assist recovery efforts. 

In Canterbury, ongoing wet weather and hailstorms have created challenging conditions for arable farmers, with significant crop damage. In Tairāwhiti, it’s taken time to assess the full extent of damage to farms in Hicks Bay and surrounding areas which have been left isolated by slips and damage to roads. Slips have also damaged some kiwifruit orchards in the Bay of Plenty and closed key transport routes. Highway closures on the East Coast are hampering the movement of fresh vegetables and fruit, and livestock to meat processors. 

“We’ve been working closely with Rural Advisory Groups, which are critical regional bodies representing the rural sector and include Rural Support Trusts, to identify where support is most needed. This medium-scale adverse event classification unlocks further support, including tax relief. It also enables MSD to consider Rural Assistance Payments and activating Enhanced Taskforce Green.” 

Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson is encouraging farmers and growers to seek support if they need it. 

“It’s important we help those farmers, growers, and rural communities now facing a lengthy clean-up,” Mr Patterson says. 

“We will continue to assess what support is needed in other areas which were also affected by the severe weather.” 

Farmers and growers needing assistance are encouraged to contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.