‘Farmy Army’s’ John Hartnell Honoured

23 May 2013

‘Farmy Army’s’ John Hartnell Honoured

John Hartnell, the driving force behind Federated Farmers’ ‘Farmy Army’, received the New Zealand Order of Merit today.

Following the 2011 Christchurch earthquake, John organised farmers from around the region, now coined the ‘Farmy Army’, to assist in clearing liquefaction, delivering food parcels and providing general assistance to vulnerable families.

“It is a real honour to be recognised in this way by the Governor General, I am truly humbled,” says John.

“I quickly realised that this, the Farmy Army, was much bigger than just a group of farmers helping out. We had up to 850 farmers working on any given day. They were sent out in groups of 20 or so to where they were most needed and the Canterbury Agricultural park quickly became a mecca for the operation.

“To my mind it proves there is no such thing as a rural-urban divide. We are all New Zealanders and we do care for our fellow Kiwis in times of need.

“As for the countless farmers, support crew and the Canterbury Agricultural Park team, who selflessly helped out Christchurch in its hour of need, your legacy will live on as our city proudly rises again. I am eternally grateful to all those who pitched in,” Mr Hartnell concluded.

ENDS

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