Waikato farmers tackle debt as interest rates fall, says Zonderop
Waikato Federated Farmers dairy chair Matthew Zonderop says two consecutive years of a $10 milk price is fantastic for New Zealand agriculture.
The heaviest falls have been on the Coromandel Peninsula, where up to 200mm has fallen has fallen in the past day, and more is expected today (July 23) and tomorrow.
The Ohinemuri River flowing through the Karangahake Gorge and past Paeroa is now in flood and road closures are possible, says duty emergency management officer Greg Ryan.
The Piako, Waihou and Waitoa rivers are also expected to become swollen over coming days. Further west, the rain is expected to prolong flooding of the Waikato and Waipa rivers which rose after heavy rains the weekend before last.
"We advise farmers to move stock to higher ground if necessary and for all residents to stay up to date with information regarding river levels,"says Ryan.
"People need to be aware of the potential for inundation of flood plains, surface flooding generally and for transport links to be disrupted."
Ryan says the council's staff will liaise with other agencies over any flood response and keep the public up to date with relevant advice.
"It looks as though we're in for a few very wet days on top of what has already been a very wet July, so risks will certainly be elevated this week."
