Farmers across South Wairarapa recovering from catastrophic flooding will have access to practical assistance, recovery resources and wellbeing support at a free community event in Martinborough next month.
The Farmers Community Connect (FCC) event, hosted by the Rapid Relief Team New Zealand (RRT), aims to help farming families rebuild following the severe weather that caused widespread damage to fences, infrastructure and farmland across the region.
The event will take place on Thursday, 13 August, bringing together rural support organisations, health providers and agricultural specialists to assist farmers as recovery efforts continue.
Practical Help for Flood Recovery
A key feature of the event will be the distribution of 100 free fencing packs, each valued at approximately $1,500, containing fencing posts, battens and wire to help repair damaged farm boundaries.
The packs are intended to support farmers facing the significant costs of rebuilding after floodwaters damaged paddocks, fences and essential infrastructure.
To receive the fencing materials, eligible farmers must register by Friday, 7 August 2026.
More Than Just Recovery Supplies
Alongside practical assistance, the event will connect farmers with organisations offering advice and support across a range of areas.
Representatives from the Rural Support Trust, health services, rural financial counselling providers and veterinary suppliers will be available to discuss the challenges many farming families continue to face following the disaster.
Organisers say recovery from a major weather event extends well beyond repairing physical damage, with many rural communities also dealing with financial uncertainty and emotional strain.
The event has been designed to provide a welcoming environment where farmers can seek advice, share experiences and access services that support both their businesses and personal wellbeing.
Supporting Rural Communities
Visitors will also be treated to a complimentary barbecue lunch and barista-made coffee, with around 250 free meals expected to be served during the event.
The informal setting is intended to encourage farmers to reconnect with neighbours, industry organisations and support agencies while taking a break from the demands of ongoing recovery work.
For many rural communities, such gatherings play an important role in strengthening social connections after natural disasters, helping reduce isolation and ensuring people know where support is available.
Continuing a National Recovery Programme
This will be the ninth Farmers Community Connect event delivered by the Rapid Relief Team since the programme began in response to a series of floods, storms and droughts affecting farming communities around New Zealand.
Since 2023, the initiative has supported more than 1,640 farmers, providing practical recovery assistance alongside access to wellbeing and financial support services.
The programme has become an important part of disaster recovery efforts, recognising that rebuilding rural communities requires both physical resources and ongoing community support.
Building Resilience After Severe Weather
Extreme weather events continue to pose significant challenges for farmers across Aotearoa, with flooding, storms and drought increasingly affecting agricultural production, rural infrastructure and livelihoods.
For many farming families, repairing damaged fencing is one of the first and most costly steps in returning farms to normal operation after floodwaters recede.
Events such as Farmers Community Connect aim to ease some of that burden while ensuring farmers have access to practical advice and community networks that can assist throughout the recovery process.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, 13 August 2026
- Time: 11:00am – 1:00pm
- Venue: Martinborough Transport, 204 Lake Ferry Road, Martinborough
Farmers wishing to receive a free fencing pack are encouraged to register before 7 August 2026.
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