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9 Devold helps keep Little Miracles warm Vol 21 No 15, April 24, 2023
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Growers plead for swifter cyclone action Annette Scott
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Weather YCLONE-ravaged growers have penned an open letter to the government in a desperate quest for
action. They say that many government ministers have visited the affected areas, and various government departments have asked for and received data and information on the cyclone’s impacts to the horticulture industry, leading to a nationwide impression of responsiveness – but the reality is less reassuring. It is now more than two months since Cyclone Gabrielle struck, causing widespread devastation to commercial fruit and vegetable growing in Hawke’s Bay, Tairāwhiti, Northland and northern Manawatū. In the letter, published on Wednesday, April 19, HorticultureNZ says the delay in providing direction and announcing further support is affecting growers and regions. On April 5 the government announced a further $23 million for farmers and growers to help rebuild, bringing total government support so far to $78m. The letter acknowledges the government’s swift response to the immediate crisis, “which our industry has appreciated”, but calls for urgent action and further support from the government.
It says delays in relief will have a cumulative effect on current losses, setting the industry back by years. The letter says growers need government decisions regarding land use to be announced as soon as possible. The harvest of surviving crops is concluding, and planning has begun for next year’s crops, but there is still too much uncertainty for affected businesses to plan and reinvest, the letter says. “Furthermore, banks need a strong signal from the government if they are to continue to support the horticulture sector in affected areas.” Many growers from affected areas have lost a significant portion, if not all, of their income for the season. This has created cashflow issues, which means that businesses are currently struggling to fund immediate clean-up expenditure, which includes current and additional staff wages. That expenditure does not include the costs of reinvestment for the next season and beyond. Businesses that lost crop income may not have lost infrastructure, so have no insurance payouts to reinvest into their businesses. Crop income losses are not insurable and business interruption insurance does not extend to lost crops. “We understand the government’s desire to get its Continued page 3
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Farmers cheer National’s agriculture policy details National Party leader Christopher Luxon launched its election policy for agriculture on the Puketi Farms property of Terrance and Suzanne Brocx, Bay of Islands.
POLITICS 7 The frontline of rural health is feeling neglected, misunderstood, frustrated and burnt out.
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The Big Check-in is an online evening of support for rural people affected by flooding.
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PEOPLE 14