(Picture caption: A total of $51 million is now available to support farmers and growers affected by Cyclone Gabrielle, after the Government boosted funding by $26 million.)
As farmers and growers continue their work to re-establish their businesses in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, the Government is providing a boost of $26 million to meet the need in the recovery efforts.
This sits alongside the initial $4 million rural community recovery fund already available to sector and regional organisations.
Finance Minister Hon Grant Robertson says the funding extended the help available through the $25 million farmer and grower grant package announced in February.
“The uptake of the grants has been strong with the number of applications surpassing 2,846 in less than a fortnight (12 days), and more than $17.4 million paid out,” Minister Robertson says.
“We knew there would be more need during the response phase as people took time to take stock and work through their clean-up from Cyclone Gabrielle.
“As with the response to COVID we need to be nimble, flexible and responsive to immediate needs.”
The New Zealand Government is committed to helping people and businesses recover from the cyclone in the months ahead and is working on the next steps of support.
Agriculture Minister Hon Damien O’Connor says the priority has been 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,” Minister 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.
“We have been on the ground in the affected regions talking with farmers and growers.
“They have told us the grants are providing certainty of immediate funding, which has given them the confidence and reassurance to start remediating their farms and orchards.”
Applications for the clean-up grants are open until March 20, 2023, but 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.
Visit the MPI website for more information and to apply for funding.