The Government classified the flooding across the Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough regions as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking extra support for flood-affected farmers and growers.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay said last week’s deluge damaged infrastructure such as livestock fences, culverts, and tracks, and left pasture and orchards covered in silt and flood debris.
The Government is making up to NZD 100,000 available to support and coordinate recovery efforts, including up to NZD 20,000 for the Top of the South Rural Support Trust.
The remainder of the funding will be made available to other organisations that work with farmers and growers on the ground.
“This classification unlocks further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief. It also enables MSD to consider Rural Assistance Payments and activate Enhanced Taskforce Green.”
This funding is on top of NZD 100,000 already contributed by the Government to the Mayoral Relief Fund.
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson encouraged flood-affected farmers and growers to seek support if they need it and to monitor the weather forecast.
“It’s important to help those farmers and growers and rural communities now facing a big clean-up effort, such as fixing damaged fences,” said Patterson.
The government, via the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), On Farm Support, will continue to work closely with sector groups and the Rural Support Trust to determine where the need is and how the funding will be allocated.
“Farmers and growers will face many months of work to get back on track. We will continue to assess what further support is needed to assist recovery efforts."
There is a risk of further rain this week. MPI encouraged farmers to stay informed through MetService forecasts and to take necessary precautions, such as moving livestock to higher ground.
Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust.
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