Building trust
OPINION: The war of words between Southland farmers and Environment Southland over winter grazing inspections reflects a deep lack of trust among farmers for the regional council.
Milne, who is helping coordinate Feds’ assistance to farmers in quake-hit areas, says once the roads are cleared, rural posties could play a major role in helping to get information to isolated farmers. They could also bring back information to people working on assistance programmes.
She says the rural mail people know farmers well and could provide valuable feedback. They are a vital communication link especially if telecommunications are dodgy.
Milne says Feds are keen to meet the welfare needs of all farming families. Some farmers may choose to send children away to relatives while they focus on fixing damaged farms. Others may want to their family close by and this will be a very personal issue.
