Crazy
OPINION: Your canine crusader was truly impressed by the almost unanimous support given by politicians of all stripes in Parliament to the recent passing of legislation for the NZ/EU free trade deal.
A medium-scale adverse event has been declared for the Tasman district, unlocking further Government support for farmers and growers.
Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor made the announcement during a visit to fire-ravaged areas in Tasman.
“The wildfire and the drought conditions have combined to make it a particularly tough time for those trying to manage stock and grow food,” O’Connor said.
The declaration unlocks extra funding of $50,000 for the Rural Support Trusts and primary industry groups to help speed up the recovery of farming and horticultural businesses.
The forecast holds little respite following several weeks of heat and high winds and with water restrictions in place, pastures and orchards are parched, noted O’Connor.
“Officials have been working with the local trusts, councils, and industry bodies over the past couple of weeks as the dry weather threatened to tip into drought. The fire has further hurt our rural communities with some stock losses, essential access to water restricted, feed destroyed and infrastructure damaged.
“The acute issue is the management of stock where their owners have evacuated their properties due to the fires.
“The Ministry for Primary Industries is working with vets, the SPCA, fire and emergency and police to help farmers manage their animals or move them until it’s safe to return.”
O’Connor says the focus remains on getting the blaze under control, cleaning up the immediate damage then supporting our rural sector to get back on their feet for winter.
“The Rural Support Trusts do a fantastic job all around the country and are invaluable during emergency situations and in the weeks and months following.
“There will be difficult times ahead and the Government will ensure everything that can be done will be done to ensure people and animals are safe and can get back on their feet,” O’Connor said.
Last year the Coalition Government increased the funding available for the Rural Support Trusts from $386,000 a year to $622,000. MPI is increasing its staff on the ground to 10 from today.
Rural banker Rabobank is partnering with Food Rescue Kitchen on a new TV series which airs this weekend that aims to shine a light on the real and growing issues of food waste, food poverty and social isolation in New Zealand.
Telco infrastructure provider Chorus says that it believes all Kiwis – particularly those in the rural areas – need access to high-speed, reliable broadband.
World Veterinary Day falls on Saturday 27 April.
The Director General of MPI, Ray Smith says it's important for his department to celebrate the success of a whole range of groups and people around the country.
A small company which mobilised veterinarians around the country to deal with Mycoplasma bovis was one of the winners in this year's Biosecurity Awards, held at Parliament.
One of the country's top Māori sheep and beef farms is facing a five-year battle to get back to where it was before Cyclone Gabrielle struck just over 14 months ago.