Adverse event declared in Northland

The storm has impacted 80% of the primary sector in Northland, says Guy.

The adverse event declaration will provide the overarching framework for any Government support as assessments continue to be made, Guy says.

"The first stage of this is to provide funding for Northland Rural Support Trust (NRST) to deliver help, support, and management advice to farmers and growers. The trust have been working closely with MPI and local authorities to determine what's required in the clean-up phase after severe flooding and wind damage.

"The storm has impacted around 80% of the primary sector in Northland with very high winds and heavy rainfall over a solid four day period. I've seen for myself the damage today at an avocado orchard severely damaged by wind and dairy farms near Whangarei under water.

"With spring calving beginning and avocado crops close to harvest this storm couldn't have come at a worse time. It has been a tough blow for many farmers in western parts of Northland who suffered through a prolonged drought earlier this year."

NRST is working to source feed options for dairy cows as much of the pasture that is still underwater will die and require re-sowing.

"The local community has done a great of pulling together and helping each other out. Farmers and

Yesterday the Minister of Civil Defence announced a $100,000 contribution to mayoral relief funds being established to provide assistance for community members who are experiencing financial difficulties as a result of the severe weather event.

Graeme MacDonald, spokesman for the Northland Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) Group, says the Rural Support Trust - 0800 787 254 – is working to support flood-affected farmers and Northland horticulturists whose crops had been impacted.

He says it is still early days in the recovery phase and officials are still working to get a more accurate assessment of the likely cost of the storm, one of the most damaging to hit the region in years.

MacDonald says Civil Defence Minister Nikki Kaye had visited the region yesterday and it was very clear to all parties that even at this early stage the recovery process will be a prolonged one which could take a number of months and run into millions.

He says recovery and other storm-related information will also continue to be posted as required, including on the Northland CDEM Group's Facebook page – www.facebook.com/civildefencenorthland and the Northland Regional Council's website www.nrc.govt.nz/civildefence