Australian teams to help repair North Canterbury irrigators after storm
Moves are afoot to get a team of Australians over here to help repair North Canterbury's irrigation machinery, ravaged by the big windstorm of late October.
Rural insurer FMG says it has lodged almost 1500 claims following Cyclone Gabrielle.
The farmer-owned co-operative says it is doing everything it can to support impacted clients.
“Firstly, our thoughts go out to all those impacted, and we encourage clients to keep their personal safety, and that of their family and staff top of mind when assessing damage” says Karen Williams, FMG’s rural propositions manager.
“As you would expect the claims coming in are mostly for water damage to property, vehicles, and contents.
“We appreciate communication and electricity lines are challenging in some places, so we want clients to know we have options when it comes to lodging a claim, either now, or when connectivity improves in their area,” says Williams.
FMG says there are two ways clients can lodge a claim: either call them on 0800 366 466 or via FMG Connect on their website.
Given the size and scale of this event, along with road access challenges, it will take time to get assessors out.
“Some of our assessing team have begun seeing clients, and we’ll be prioritising our most vulnerable clients first,” says Williams.
“We appreciate things are difficult right now. Please know that when you’re ready and able to get in touch, we’re here and ready to help with your claim.”
More than 150 people turned up at Parliament recently to celebrate the 20th anniversary of Horticulture New Zealand (HortNZ).
Biosecurity New Zealand says Kiwis should continue to keep an eye out for yellow-legged hornets (Vespa velutina) over the holiday season.
The Push-Up Challenge, an event which combines mental health and fitness, is set to launch in New Zealand in 2026.
Last month's Agritechnica event led to a wide group of manufacturers celebrating successes when the 2026 Tractor of the Year Competition winners, selected by a panel of European journalists, were announced in Hanover Germany.
According to the latest Federated Farmers banking survey, farmers are more satisfied with their bank and less under pressure, however, the sector is well short of confidence levels seen last decade.
Farmer confidence has taken a slight dip according to the final Rabobank rural confidence survey for the year.

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