Volunteering for Christchurch on Boxing Day and December 27
Released 24 Dec 2011
The impact of the earthquakes upon farms
Following a Federated Farmers initiated emergency text alert, initial reports from provincial leaders and from members, indicates that while the shaking from the recent swarm of earthquakes was violent, it has not caused damage to key farm infrastructure or utilities.
Our initial concerns revolved around utilities and what the shaking did to grain silos; the two things most impacted by last year's Darfield earthquake. This is not to say that there has been no damage to pasture from liquefaction.
A better picture will come in the next few days.
Status of the Farmy Army
The timing of these latest series of quakes coincides with the busiest time of the year for the farming community; farm activities are in full swing and it is unfair to make a mass call for mobilisation. As such, it is not realistic to expect Federated Farmers Farmy Army to gear up as we did following the February and June earthquakes
While this has been communicated to Christchurch City Council, we are also certain farmers will be willing to pitch in as individual volunteers. Given the timing of the quakes in relation to work on-farm, the response this time will be led by the Student Volunteer Army, with whom Federated Farmers Farmy Army is partnering (see below).
Open call for volunteers (Boxing Day and December 27)
A two-day operation is being led by the Student Volunteer Army (SVA) for Boxing Day (December 26) as well as on December 27. The SVA has established a Volunteering Centre at the QEII (Queen Elizabeth II carpark). Please click here for a map.
Farmers, if you are available, are invited to turn-up anytime from 9am on either Boxing Day or December 27. It is important to go to QEII first as this is to coordinate teams. There will be no Federated Farmers Farmy Army base camp as in previous operations.
Farmers are asked to bring their own equipment (trailer, shovel & barrow etc), lunch, water and sunscreen. Please also remember to bring your own personal protection equipment and a change of clothing.
If you can't shovel, feel free to bring some food to distribute.
Areas of need
Many would have seen images on the news and it is felt a two-day operation would largely break the back of the immediate problem. Please note that streets in the Bexley area are flooded and volunteers are currently advised to stay away.
Some final thoughts
If you are in a position to spare a few hours on December 26 and/or December 27, it will be appreciated. That said, this is the business time of the year for farming and we know the commitment that means.
This year has been devastating to Christchurch but the Canterbury spirit lives on. On behalf of everyone who has served in or helped the Farmy Army, no matter how small or large, can we say all say a collective and sincere thank you.
Federated Farmers earthquake spokesperson:
John Hartnell
Mobile: 021 578 754
If a farm has been damaged or is in need of assistance:
David Broome
Federated Farmers communications
027 448 9170
dbroome@fedfarm.org.nz
