Team Tararua. 10th March 2023, 24 days after the event
Rural Support Trust are funded by MPI to run the response and recovery. Their number is 0800 787 254. Over the past 2-3 weeks RST have visited all the farms affected. Their role was to check on people so as yet there is no data as to who needs a hand.
We’re very conscious that winter isn’t too far off and there may be some farmers out there who want a hand to secure stock, fix up boundary fences etc. First step, grab a farm map and mark what needs doing, prioritise the list and then ring either RST or Feds so we both know what needs attention.
I did say there would be a role for everyone to play. Here’s some options.
Thanks to Tim Hewitt (Tararua Meat and Wool Chair) for getting the collection points up and running for fencing gear donations. Drop offs are in Pahiatua and Dannevirke. Flyer attached. RST will decide what goes where.
Simon Hales has been helping farmers in the Weber area (ongoing working bees Wed and Fri). Ring him re time and place to meet. 06 374 3860.
Michelle Brown is co-ordinating the Te Uri area.
On the Feds Farmy Army website, we have over 600 folk offering to help – some with gear, some with skills, some content to pull the debris off the fence lines.
Everyone wants a part to play. Don’t be shy. There are also lots of local farmers who won’t come out to help until they are invited.
It’s reassuring to hear of stock getting off farms, thankfully for those selling the store markets remain strong.
We have over 20,000 bales of silage on the Feedline co-ordination service data base. Many generous local farmers have rung us (Tararua Feds) to say they have some on their farms for those in need.
Field days are next week, if you can try to get off the farm for a day, kick a few tyres, enjoy some tasty food, visit the innovation tent for inspiration. Better still, invite your neighbour.
Two quick reminders
- Applications cut-off date for MPI cyclone relief grants is 20 March, but in ‘hard to reach areas’ is 3 April.
- Beef + Lamb remit responses close on 22nd March.
RST 0800 787 254
Sally Dryland
Tararua Feds
027 423 8997