Disaster-hit farmers offered rate relief plan

Farmers in the district that are affected by natural disasters such as drought, flood, storms or earthquakes can now apply for a rates postponement.

At a council meeting on November 11 councillors voted to include a provision in the policy for farmland affected by natural disasters.

Financial director Mark Weidenbohm says this is the first time farmers in the district have been offered this option.

Farmers who are experiencing financial hardship due to natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, storm or drought can receive a rates postponement of up 100 per cent for up to two years.

Mark says the decision to include the revised section was a direct response to the Federated Farmers' submission to the Annual Plan.

"As droughts have become more common over recent summers, the call for a rates postponement allowance for natural disasters has become louder."

Mark says that as rural properties make up a large portion of Stratford District it is essential they are able to remain financially stable during an adverse event and keep contributing to the local economy.

Applications for the postponement will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will need to include the nature of the natural disaster and the business plan for the recovery of the farm. This will then be decided upon by a committee made up of the mayor, deputy mayor, chief executive, and a non-voting representative from Taranaki Federated Farmers.