Outside farmers sending in feed

Hikurangi Swamp farmers, whose land flooded when stop banks overflowed, will receive three truck loads of supplementary feed. Photo/Tania Newman

Northland farmers struggling to feed their stock after recent floods will get some relief from today when the first of five truckloads of feed arrive.

Northland Rural Support Trust (NRST) spokeswoman Julie Jonkers said farmers were struggling after three bad storms in the past two months, but the generosity of the farming community in Taranaki and Bay of Plenty means five truckloads of feed are on their way.

"It's just a drop in the bucket of what we need up here, but it's an amazing response and shows the farming community sticks together in times of adversity like this," Ms Jonkers said.

One of the trucks was due at Tangiteroria about noon today while another would go to Kaihu. The other three would arrive for farmers in the Hikurangi Swamp later in the week.

The extra feed was organised by the Rural Support Trust network and Federated Farmers and Ms Jonkers said it would provide much-needed relief.

"At times like these the farming community sticks together and it's just wonderful that they have sent this up to help us out here," she said.

Meanwhile, NRST and Dairy NZ have organised free lunches and dinners this week for Northland farmers affected by the storms and associated flooding.

Ms Jonkers said the events were an opportunity for farmers to get off the land, talk about their situation with others and enjoy a free meal.

"It's really an opportunity for farmers to talk about the situation and share ideas with others away from their farms."

The first two free meals will be held tomorrow at Mamaranui Bowling Club, Mamaranui Rd, Kaihu, and Mangakahia Sports Complex, corner of Kerehunga and Mangakahia Rds, Poroti, both from 6pm to 8pm.

Thursday will see the free meals and get-togethers at Awanui Rugby Club, SH1. Awanui, from 11.30am to 1.30pm and Tangiteroria Community Complex, Pukehuia Rd, Tangiteroria from 6pm to 8pm and at Kaikohe RSA, 158 Upper Broadway, Kaikohe, 6pm to 8pm.

A final free meal and get-together will be held at Hikurangi Rugby Club, Park S, Hikurangi, 6pm to 8pm on Friday.