Drought-hit Taranaki farmers overwhelmed by donations

Taranaki farmers have been overwhelmed by generous donations. Photo / Christine Cornege

Taranaki farmers hit by severe weather say they have been overwhelmed by generous donations to help them to cover their feed costs.

Feed stocks were devastated in the region over summer after it endured drought- like conditions, before being ravaged by a storm brought by Cyclone Gita.

"It's left many farmers very stressed and really struggling," Federated Farmers Taranaki president Donald McIntyre said.

However, farmers across New Zealand responded to a call to give money towards their Taranaki counterparts' feed and transport costs, with a Federated Farmers committee now working to distribute the donations on a needs basis.

"We've been overwhelmed by the offers we've received," Mr McIntyre said.

"As with previous Federated Farmers feedlines, we will assess all offers carefully and match them in the best possible way."

The donation line is still open, with the group now also opening an adverse events fund to allow the public to donate if they wish.

Find out more about how you can donate here.

- NZN