Cyclone Gabrielle: Hawke's Bay Orchardists Still Recovering
Three and a half years on from when Cyclone Gabrielle hit Hawke's Bay, some orchardists in the region are still receiving counselling to help them deal with the trauma they suffered.
New Zealand First leader and former Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says the Government needs to do what it can to avoid insurance delays similar to those seen after the Canterbury Earthquakes.
“The flooding and damage that has been caused by Cyclone Gabrielle is immense and widespread,” Peters says.
“The Government must speak with insurance companies right now about the pathway forward for people to ensure a speedy recovery effort.
“Tens of thousands of kiwis have been affected by this cyclone and the clean up will be huge,” he says.
Peters says people need certainty from their insurance companies and for that to happen, he says, the Government needs to gain a commitment from insurers that applications are processed with the urgency the situation requires.
“The time to sort this out is now.”
Farmer-owned fertiliser company, Ballance Agri Nutrients is welcoming National’s plan to negotiate security agreements with key supplier countries to protect New Zealand-bound products from export restrictions and greater supply chain certainty.
Carrfields has announced the appointment of Stu Hall to the newly created role of chief operating officer, Carrfields Ltd, reflecting the continued growth of their agribusinesses and the need to ensure the company has the leadership capacity and support in place as it pursues the emerging opportunities ahead.
New Zealand's role is not to compete with Indian growers, according to NZ Apples and Pears.
The potato industry is celebrating the success of two rising stars - James Blair, the 2026 Young Grower of the Year and runner-up and innovation award winner, Amber Davy.
Twenty-eight emerging leaders from across the horticulture sector spent two days last month learning valuable skills and connecting with industry experts.
There are five entrants in this year’s Young Horticulturist of the Year, competing in a series of technical, practical, business and leadership challenges.

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