Agriculture Minister assures more recovery support to farmers in cyclone-impacted region

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor toured several cyclone-impacted areas of the region on Tuesday and has assured growers and farmers more recovery support is coming from the Government.

The Minister visited the Wi Pere Trust operation at Te Karaka where he got a full briefing, looked at damage on the ground and was shown aerial shots of the  extent of the damage.

“They run a very efficient operation at Wi Pere Trust,” he said. “They’re a resilient, mixed-income operation, which hopefully will enable them to get through this and continue with their outstanding success.”

Mr O‘Connor also visited Paroa Station at Tolaga Bay and Pourau Station at Hikuwai.

“There we were looking at the infrastructure impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, the bridges washed out and progress with reinstatement there.

“The impact of forestry slash was far greater the further north you go.

“We had a useful discussion with property owners at those locations on the options to minimise the impact of slash during what will be continuing weather-related issues.”

Mr O’Connor said there had obviously been huge impact in Tairāwhiti from the cyclone.

“While a lot of publicity has been focused around what happened in Hawke’s Bay, this region has been impacted severely as well.

“The destocking and resowing that’s had to happen here, the crop losses in the region, will all have a short-term impact on this region’s economy.

“But I saw a level of resilience during my visit and an understanding of the challenges, which means the pastoral, cropping and horticulture sectors will continue to be at the heart of economic success here into the future — albeit in slightly different ways and, in some cases, in different locations to what has occurred in the past.”

Mr O’Connor said there was also appreciation shown during his visit of the immediate and early response from the Government by way of support.

“The people I spoke to said they were seeking a clearer direction as soon as possible from the Government when it comes to further support.

“I met with the Rural Coordination Group  (set up to oversee cyclone recovery for the pastoral and horticulture sectors here)during the day and we had a useful discussion.

“I pointed out the reality that it’s impossible to know from Wellington what the solutions are for Tairāwhiti, and the group provided some really clear messages on how the Government should roll out further support.

“They are in a better position to know the farmers and growers who really need that further support,” he said.

“I want to reassure the primary sector here that the door is open to further support and ongoing advice, and how it is best targeted at those who most need it.”

Mr O’Connor said there would be further financial support, but the extent of that was yet to be finalised.

“The horticulture people I spoke to reminded me of the pressure of the seasonal biological challenges they face around which they have to make decisions moving towards next season.

“It is always invaluable to be on the ground, picking up first-hand advice from those people directly affected.”