Adverse Events
Supporting you when you need us most
Earthquakes, heavy snow, floods, storms and volcanic eruptions all have one thing in common - the potential to ruin everything you have worked for over the years.
The extreme effects of nature are a fact of life in New Zealand. These events can happen quickly and without warning or compassion.
Over the years the Federation has played an increasingly important role in working with district councils and Government to coordinate help and resources.
Our most successful responses have been in those areas where there are good networks, branches and a Rural Support Trust.
RURAL SUPPORT TRUSTS
Rural Support Trusts are a nation-wide network which assists rural communities and individuals during and following adverse events such as floods and droughts. As well as this, many of the trusts also provide their services in times of general hardship.
The services that the trusts provide vary depending on funding and focus, but in general they offer:
- coordination of an initial response to an event;
- helping farmers decide business options;
- providing mentors or colleagues from rural backgrounds to talk to;
- acting as advocates for financial assistance;
- advocating for assistance from Work and Income programmes (like Task Force Green); and
- providing stress management services.
If the trust does not offer particular services themselves they will make a referral to an appropriate individual or organisation.
To view the current list of Rural Support Trust contacts, please click here.
December 2011 Nelson/Golden Bay Floods
The rainstorm which hit Nelson-Tasman last week is the most intense to have ever been recorded in any urban town. While damage to famrs has been light compared to the 2010 floods, Federated Farmers has compiled useful information to assist farmers during recovery.
There is also a call for volunteers as well. Read more »
Canterbury June earthquake - Federated Farmers update
With the two large earthquakes this afternoon, Federated Farmers is in the process of texting all Canterbury members, with particular focus on Banks Peninsula. The Federation requests the assistance of media to help farmers report damage to us. Read more »
Hawkes Bay floods
Severe flooding has been reported in some parts of Hawke's Bay. The Federation has sent a text message to members asking them to report damage and to assess need. We are working with MAF and will provide further information as it becomes available. Read more »
Drought 2010
Where drought is declared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), Federated Farmers will work for all farmers in affected areas. You do not have to be a member of the Federation to ring 0800 376 844, although membership directly funds this service. For more information, including drought updates, offers of support, the Federated Farmers feed lists and contact details, please click here.
2010-11 Aorere Floods
On December 28 2010, the Aorere River in Golden Bay recorded a 169 year flood event. Records show that flow increased from a normal nine cubic metres per second (cumecs) to 3,560 on that day. This flow increase would fill 1.4 Olympic sized swimming pools every second. Downstream, 35 residential and farming properties were inundated with floodwater - most sustaining serious damage. This briefing paper sets out the extent of flood damage, subsequent actions and the impact upon farming production. It also discusses Resource Management Act (RMA) interpretation by Tasman District Council (TDC) in relation to river management.
A copy of the briefing paper can be accessed below.
Southland/South Otago storms 2010
The spring storm of 2010 in Southland and South Otago is the worst in a generation. The last big dump of snow was 14 years ago in the winter of 1996, while the last time the region experienced anything this severe, was 38 in 1972. On Thursday, 23 September 2010, the Hon David Carter, Minister of Agriculture declared a medium scale adverse event. For information including updates, fact sheets and support, please click here.
Quake 2010
The 7.1 magnitude earthquake that struck early on Saurday, 4 September to the West of Christchurch has seen power outages in the area from around Dunsandel north to the Waimakiriri River. For information including quake updates, fact sheets and support, please click here.
