Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
The Government has announced an additional $700,000 in support for regions hit by the recent flooding and storm damage in the upper North Island.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Social Development and Employment Carmel Sepuloni says the Government has activated Enhanced Taskforce Green to help with relief efforts.
“$500,000 is being made available to provide unskilled and semi-skilled jobs for local people who will support farmers, growers, and communities by completing clean-up work on their properties,” Sepuloni says.
“The damage to farms, homes, roads, and bridges across the regions affected is extensive and no doubt will take a long time to be fully assessed. By making this funding available, local councils and other authorised agencies can hire job seekers to help.”
The flooding and storm damage in Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty has also been classified as a medium-scale adverse event, which unlocks extra support for farmers and growers.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says some areas have recorded “unprecedented” levels of rain, which has flooded farmland, damaged infrastructure, and washed away crops.
“The record rainfall comes on top of what has been a challenging and wet season for many in the upper North Island, which compounds the stress for people. It’s important we contribute to helping farmers and growers who have managed their way through these events.
“Funding of $200,000 will be allocated to Rural Support Trusts who know their communities and what support is required to help people through.”
Rural Communities and Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty says the targeted funding is on top of more than $1 million the Government has contributed to the Mayoral Relief Fund to help Auckland communities.
“While the full extent of the damage will take weeks to be revealed, it is clear there has been significant impacts on communities, farmers, and growers across the upper North Island. We’ll be keeping a close eye on things over the coming weeks and whether further support is required.”
Government agencies, councils and sector groups will continue to work together to monitor the storm’s impact and determine where support should be targeted to the greatest need.
In addition to the funding announced today, Inland Revenue is set to activate its Adverse Event Income Equalisation Scheme for the affected regions. This will enable farming businesses to even out income fluctuations by spreading their gross income from year to year.
'A lot of interest and positive responses' appears to be the way farmers are viewing the Government's initiative to hold a series of woolshed meetings around the country.
A Southland farming leader wants the regional council to delay a proposed regional rates hike, much of which is intended to fund flood protection works.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) says access to personal banking services in rural communities is fundamental to promoting outcomes that benefit Kiwi consumers.
A group set up to boost education and promotion of wool says it has made positive strides during the first year of its three-year strategy.
Meat processor ANZCO Foods says despite a challenging business environment, it has posted a net profit before tax of $61 million for 2023.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
OPINION: Readers of this column will know that your old mate has been a long-time critic of $55 million of…
OPINION: The Hound reckons school teachers like nothing better than to complain constantly about how tough things are for them…