Farmers urged to register for Rapid Relief fencing

The region’s farmers have been urged to register for the free fencing materials to be donated by the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) charity at their Community Connect event on September 1 in Dunstan Road. The Hawke’s Bay event (pictured) was a huge success. Picture supplied

Tairāwhiti farmers have been urged to register for free fencing materials to be donated by the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) charity to help them get back on their feet after Cyclone Gabrielle.

RRT will donate about 100km of fencing materials to 300 Tairāwhiti farmers next month to help them recover from the devastating cyclone.

RRT will donate the materials at a Farmers Community Connect event at Gisborne on September 1, where a range of support services will also be on hand to provide advice.

Gisborne RRT leader Clarke Judd said the materials would include posts, battens and wire to help farmers rebuild the millions of metres of fencing lost in the disastrous weather event.

“The farming industry are doing it tough at the moment as a result of the cyclones so we want to give them the support they need to get back on their feet,” Mr Judd said.

“It costs about $150,000 to replace just 5km of fencing so rebuilding is a big and expensive job for the farmers in this region.

“We have done this event for those impacted by the cyclones in Hawke’s Bay and it was a real success.

“The Farmers Community Connect concept is all about putting farmers in touch with their communities to get support and a helping hand.”

The Gisborne event will provide free fencing supplies to 300 registered farmers, as well as free food and drink and access to a large number of service providers related to the farming industry, who will be there with any relevant advice.

The donated fencing supplies include posts, battens, and wire and are valued at around $1,500 for each recipient.

“The local support services available will include health services, farm management advisory and veterinary support,” Mr Judd said.

“This is an opportunity for farmers to connect with their local community.

“RRT was inspired by community spirit and the gift of giving. It is a way for us to put our faith into action and give back to the communities where we live and work.”

Farmers have been urged to register at: www.bit.ly/GisborneFCC or call 028 2550 0838.

The event will be staged at 210 Dunstan Road on Friday, September 1, from 8am till 2pm.