MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 19 March 2013

Back by Unpopular Demand: Drought Shout at Tui Brewery

If the history books are anything to go by, April’s Drought Shout at Tui Brewery in Mangatainoka is predicted to bring a double dose of cheer to farmers.

Just as a group of Wairarapa based business leaders got together on Monday to plan the second ever Drought Shout to be held at Tui Brewery, the first significant rain fall in weeks started to fall on the parched hills around Wairarapa, Manawatu and Hawke’s Bay.

“We all know it’s been a long hot dry summer making life pretty challenging for those living off the land,” says Nick Rogers from Tui Brewery. “So we decided to organise a Drought Shout at Tui Brewery, for the farmers. It’s about the industry looking after our community – neighbour looking after neighbour.”

“And like the last time we organised this event, it appears there’s a double dose of luck. It started to rain reinforcing the theory that Drought Shouts are guaranteed rain makers.”

The event, scheduled for Thursday, April 11th is the brain child of business leaders from Tui Brewery, PGG Wrightsons and Baker & Associates. They have already been supported by local, regional and national businesses including Sharpes Stockfeed, AllFlex, Westpac, BNZ, ANZ, Rabo Bank, Sellar & Sellar, Vodafone, Motunui Romney, Breadcraft, MacDougalls and Tranzit Coachlines, raising over $44,000 to cover the costs of the day. Now they are hoping to secure further sponsorship to help cover food and transport costs.

Sam Orsborn, one of four directors at agricultural consultancy Baker & Associates, says the group wants to create an event to help farmers in dry areas keep their spirits up in times of hardship.

“At the end of the day, this long dry summer has much wider implications for the business community - from the farmer, to agricultural businesses, local towns and the nation’s economy,” says Sam. “We want these farmers to know we support them and of course we want them to have a fun day out.”

Jamie Falloon, president of Federated Farmers Wairarapa, says the Drought Shout couldn’t have come at a better time. Not only has it brought the rain again to the southern North Island but it gives the farming community something to look forward to.

“We’ve had an amazing three inches of rain in the Wairarapa,” he says. “It’s incredible what a lift in spirits this brings. The mental challenge of the dry is the greatest and events like the Drought Shout at Tui Brewery are really important in helping farmers, their families and staff, and the local community in getting over these tough times.”

“It is great to have such support from the local business community and knowing that we are all in this battle together.”

April’s initiative follows the successful Drought Shout held at Tui Brewery in 2008, which attracted a crowd of 2000 thirsty farmers, all of whom soaked up the goodwill extended by the sponsors.

The organisers are expecting similar numbers this year with transport being provided from various locations across the Wairarapa, Manawatu, Wanganui and Hawke’s Bay. Farmers wanting to attend the Drought Shout can visit www.bakerag.co.nz for more information, including details of transport options and registrations.

If you’re a local business wanting to contribute to next month’s Drought Shout at the Tui Brewery, please also visit www.bakerag.co.nz for information on how you can contribute.

Key Details for the Drought Shout at Tui Brewery:

When: Thursday 11th April, 2013.
12noon – 5.30pm
Where: Tui Brewery: Mangatainoka
Who: For the farmers from around the country - who are affected by the dry and lack of rain
Why: Because you deserve a break, something to get you off the farm for the day and something apart from rain to look forward to!
What: Food and beer provided. Transport options available to and from Tui Brewery. Details of this can be found on www.bakerag.co.nz

ENDS

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