Editorial: Sensible move
OPINION: The Government's decision to rule out changes to Fringe Benefit Tax (FBT) that would cost every farmer thousands of dollars annually, is sensible.
In the meantime Federated Farmers have set up a support line 0800 327 646
The Clarence irrigation scheme is well on the way to being repaired and is expected to be running again soon, Civil Defence says.
Meanwhile Ministry of Civil Defence and emergency management Director Sarah Stuart-Black says providing welfare support to affected communities continues to be one of the top priorities of the response to Monday’s 7.8 earthquake.
“A particular focus is reaching isolated rural communities and families to ensure that their needs are being met,” she says.
“Services to affected towns continue to be restored and additional services such as portaloos, shower units, fuel and groceries are being supplied. Another New Zealand Defence Force convoy delivered additional food and water to Kaikoura today which was good news.”
The inland road (Kaikoura Emergency Access Route) remains closed.
“We know that the closure of the road is causing frustration for some people and we are doing everything we can to move people and goods to where they need to be. It’s a case of balancing the provision of essential supplies to those who need them and ensuring that people stay as safe as possible.”
Civil Defence Emergency Management Groups continue to ask that people do not donate goods and instead donate to relief funds such as those below.
“We know that donating goods seems like the right thing to do but often the donations don’t match what communities need,” says Director Stuart-Black.
“Monetary donations are still the most useful as they assure organisations can provide what is really needed to those affected. If businesses or individuals have non-perishable goods they wish to donate please contact local authorities first for advice.”
Meanwhile the MetService says we are moving into settled weather, with some high temperatures forecast in eastern areas later this week.
Temperatures will be picking-up this week, especially in eastern areas and central Otago, where it is likely the high twenties will be reached. MetService is also picking mild overnight temperatures.
