Some pipfruit growers have 'lost everything'

That’s the assessment from Anna Lambourne, member engagement manager,  New Zealand Apples and Pears.

Lambourne says they continue to focus on the wellbeing of members: families and staff is the number one priority.

She notes that the damage to the pipfruit sector varies in severity across Hawke’s Bay and Tairawhiti.

The New Zealand Apples and Pears team is assessing the full extent of the damage and while this will take some time, it is obvious that in some areas growers have lost everything.

Other growing areas in the region have been less affected, and a number unaffected.

Lambourne says these areas will continue to harvest and pack their fruit for export and local market over the coming weeks, with picking already underway for early maturing varieties.

Another issue is that many Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) staff have been displaced after flood waters affected their accommodation.

Lambourne says they are now settled into temporary accommodation and are being supported by local welfare teams and church groups and communities.

RSE groups will move to permanent accommodation as infrastructure comes back online, she says.

“The challenge, however, will not end with the flood waters receding, there will be a major clean-up effort, and some logistical issues to navigate to get our remaining pipfruit crop picked and to market.

“Our industry is resilient, we are a community, and we will rally together to share our equipment and our teams with those in need, to recover and harvest our crops.”

For assistance, contact:

• Farmers needing support around dealing with floods are encouraged to visit the MPI website Dealing with floods | NZ Government (mpi.govt.nz)
• DairyNZ: 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 432 479 69)
• Beef + Lamb New Zealand: 0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 352)
• Federated Farmers: 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646)
• Horticulture New Zealand: 0508 467 869
• Farmers can contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 RURAL HELP or 0800 787 254