Australian teams to help repair North Canterbury irrigators after storm
Moves are afoot to get a team of Australians over here to help repair North Canterbury's irrigation machinery, ravaged by the big windstorm of late October.
Rural insurer FMG says it has lodged almost 1500 claims following Cyclone Gabrielle.
The farmer-owned co-operative says it is doing everything it can to support impacted clients.
“Firstly, our thoughts go out to all those impacted, and we encourage clients to keep their personal safety, and that of their family and staff top of mind when assessing damage” says Karen Williams, FMG’s rural propositions manager.
“As you would expect the claims coming in are mostly for water damage to property, vehicles, and contents.
“We appreciate communication and electricity lines are challenging in some places, so we want clients to know we have options when it comes to lodging a claim, either now, or when connectivity improves in their area,” says Williams.
FMG says there are two ways clients can lodge a claim: either call them on 0800 366 466 or via FMG Connect on their website.
Given the size and scale of this event, along with road access challenges, it will take time to get assessors out.
“Some of our assessing team have begun seeing clients, and we’ll be prioritising our most vulnerable clients first,” says Williams.
“We appreciate things are difficult right now. Please know that when you’re ready and able to get in touch, we’re here and ready to help with your claim.”
Craighead Diocesan, Darfield High School and Christchurch Boys' High School took out the three age groups at the Canterbury Clash of the Colleges, which was held at the recent Ashburton A&P Show.
The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM) is expanding its collaboration with TextileGenesis to deliver full traceability for 100% of ZQ certified wool and ZQRX regenerative wool.
According to Federated Farmers, Environment Southland has mishandled the consent process for Waituna Lagoon, leaving the community with numerous bad outcomes.
Metallica's charitable foundation, All Within My Hands (AWMH), teamed up with Meet the Need this week for a food packing event held at the New Zealand Food Network warehouse in Auckland.
After two years, Alliance Group has returned to profit.
According to Zespri's November forecast for the 2025/26 season, returns are likely to be up for all fruit groups compared to the last forecast in August.

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