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February 16, 2023
$4m to start recovery for farmers and whenua Maori
Adam Gifford
Posted On February 16, 2023
The Government is providing an initial $4 million to help farmers, growers, whenua Māori owners and rural communities mobilise and co-ordinate recovery efforts from Cyclone Gabrielle.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says the storm’s impact is unprecedented with milk collection disrupted, orchards inundated and livestock losses across much of the North Island.
Thousands of people’s homes and businesses are affected.
He says Government will provide more support once a full assessment of the damage is complete.
“Widespread power outages are affecting dairy farmers’ ability to milk cows, especially in Northland.
Mr O’Connor says Ministry for Primary Industries staff are working closely with sector groups and processors to minimise any potential animal welfare issues.
MPI is restarting the national Feed Working Group, which is a partnership with sector groups and specialist providers to monitor feed and make it available to affected areas.
The Government has already declared a National State of Emergency and announced an $11.5 million community support package to assist in the response to Cyclone Gabrielle.
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