Damien O’Connor Criticises Budget 2026 as ‘Miserable’ for Rural New Zealand
A miserable budget that didn’t deliver much for anyone.
This is in addition to the earlier announced $25 million.
Minister of Agriculture Damien O’Connor says, as at last week, 2,846 applications for grants under the scheme had been made and more than $17.4 million paid out. He says the priority is helping rural communities to get back on their feet as quickly as possible.
“Farmers, growers, whenua Māori owners and other rural businesses drive the economies of the regions affected by Cyclone Gabrielle.”
O’Connor says it’s important they have access to help now to protect future production, for example, enabling remediation around tree bases to save vital trees and vines, clearing silt to improve farm access, and making repairs to stock water systems, culverts and fencing.
Applications for the clean-up grants are open until 20 March 2023.
However, those in hard-to-reach areas can apply up until April 3. Farmers and growers who have already received MPI clean-up grants are not eligible to apply again.
