Northland Medium Scale Adverse Event declared

15 July 2014

Northland Medium Scale Adverse Event declared

With Northland’s storm now a Medium Scale Adverse Event, Federated Farmers is hoping Government will also support councils in the repair of local roads.

“This declaration is welcome news especially the extra funding it unlocks for the fantastic Rural Support Trust Northland to deliver counselling and advisory services,” says Roger Ludbrook, Federated Farmers Northland provincial president.

“People don’t understand that the Rural Support Trust’s operate on the smell of an oily rag and Northland has swung from drought to flood.

“After a flood, farmers will be keen to access a programme run though Work & Income called Enhanced Task Force Green. It’s effectively a wage subsidy programme but should allow those who need extra hands to access people on the benefit.

“There is no Government pot of cash to help farmers directly. While there is something called Rural Assistance Payments, this is actually the unemployment benefit by another name and carries the same eligibility rules.

“What farmers will be relying upon most is the farming community’s generosity, advice from the Rural Support Trust and most likely, the support of your bank manager. It is vital to keep the bank informed every step of the way.

“If farmers run into policy roadblocks to recovery then tell Federated Farmers.

“The adverse events declaration also means flexibility from Inland Revenue, like income equalisation, but it’s best to get your accountant to sort it out with them.

“Federated Farmers has been contacted by members to supply feed and even cash donations. We’re including the Rural Support Trust’s details below as they know where the farms in most need are.

“Westpac has also stood up to assist with feed transport and that’s really welcome.
“I wanted to be at the Minister for Primary Industries visit today but the state of my farm and local roads means I am stuck where I am.

“Federated Farmers is hoping Government will recognise the hammering our local roads have taken and support the district councils. Since New Zealand benefits from what the roads we fund carry, it would be unfair to make ratepayers pay for the entire repair.

“I must add we are delighted Labour’s Te Tai Tokerau candidate, Kevin Davis, came out in support of the Pūhoi to Wellsford upgrade. National roads like SH1 are the arteries of our region while the local roads we fund through rates are its veins.

“It’s great to have Mr Davis on board. He’d get my vote if I was on the Maori roll.

“In the meantime we’re getting stuck into recovery and the news today is a welcome start,” Mr Ludbrook concluded.

Supporting the Rural Support Trust Northland

Cash donations:
The Rural Support Trust Northland bank account number: 02-0492-0084131-025

In "Particulars" write Donation. In "Code" add your telephone number and "Reference” write your initial(s) and surname.

Stock feed:
If you can assist with feed for famers in Northland, then please contact Rural Support Trust Northland’s Julie Jonker on 021 429 092

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