New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries has classified the recent Cyclone Hale as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking Government support for farmers and growers.
The cyclone caused significant flood damage across the Tairāwhiti/Gisborne District.
Minister for Primary Industries, Damien O’Connor said up to $NZ100,000 ($A91,700) would be made available to help coordinate efforts as farmers and growers recovered from the heavy rain and subsequent flood damage across the Tairāwhiti region.
“The effects of Cyclone Hale follow hard on the heels of other recent storm clean-ups in the region, compounding stresses for those involved,” Mr O’Connor said.
“It’s important to help those farmers and growers now facing a big clean-up effort after the storm dumped over 200mm of rain over 24 hours in some parts of the district.”
He said his Ministry would continue to work closely with adverse event networks and sector groups to monitor the storm’s impact, determine where the need was and how the funding would be allocated.
“While the full extent of damage will take days to be revealed, it is clear there have been significant effects on some farms in the region, with silt and woody debris piled up and multiple roads closed,” Mr O’Connor said.
“The debris on farms, hill slippage, road closures and damage to culverts, farm tracks and other infrastructure means farmers and growers will face many months of work to get back on track.”
He said the funding would assist the clean-up, enable one-on-one mentoring support, and strengthen local connection through gatherings and events to support the region’s recovery.
Wellington, 13 January 2023
