Update for farmers in North Canterbury

Canterbury earthquake (Federated Farmers Sunday evening update)

Update for farmers in North Canterbury

0800 FARMING (0800 327 646):
The farming community is definitely starting to get on top of the crisis. The 0800 number will be manned until 10 pm for urgent calls. If farmers need to speak to someone out of these hours, please contact one of the persons listed below or the emergency services. The 0800 number will resume at 0830 am tomorrow morning.

Can you offer accommodation to urban residents?:
In addition to the water deliveries to Christchurch in conjunction with Fonterra, the 0800 line is increasingly receiving offers of accommodation, which Federated Farmers is now in discussion with the Red Cross on (who are also talking to Civil Defence on this matter). Federated Farmers is keen to collate these offers and if you can offer any assistance, please register that on 0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING) tomorrow morning.

Electricity update for the Orion network:
Orion continues to make progress restoring power across Christchurch city and the surrounding rural areas. Power has been restored to approximately 98 percent of Christchurch's urban and rural electricity network with less than 3,000 customers now affected out of a total of almost 200,000.

It is hopeful that power can be restored to a further 2,000 customers tomorrow. Several hundred customers will be affected for some days to come. All customers who need power, as long as their building is not severely damaged, should have power within four to five days. Orion's advice remains that, as a precaution, farming customers seriously affected by power cuts should seek assistance and Federated Farmers has offers of generators. Please call 0800 327 646 to discuss.

The MetService continues to forecast strong winds, however, these haven't arrived yet. The weather has not hampered Orion's restoration efforts today but any serious inclement weather could extend these timeframes.

It is important to note that parts of its network will be in a fragile state due to temporary repairs used to restore power urgently. This fragile state will remain for some weeks before permanent repairs are completed, meaning that small events could cause power outages. Orion urges everyone to stay away from power poles and lines and to treat all lines as live at all times.

The majority of Orion's field staff and contractors will be stood down overnight for safety reasons. Federated Farmers is extremely grateful for the efforts of Orion's staff and contractors.

Telecom service update:
Telecom's fixed line infrastructure is performing well, as are both mobile networks. The majority of service issues are power-related and Chorus has advised us that enough generators and diesel are available to power all affected cabinets and cell sites to restore services in the South Island.

The generators are being distributed to all affected cell sites and cabinets. Telecom expects all affected cell sites and affected cabinets to be running on full power from today. Chorus is implementing a diesel top-up schedule to ensure that generators do not run out. Telecom is working closely with infrastructure, banking and insurance providers, as well as construction firms, to support rebuild and recovery activities across Canterbury. The 111 service is fully functional.

Telecom's Christchurch offices will be closed on Monday 6 September. Client calls will be routed to its other contact centres where staffing levels have been increased.

Grains update:
The earthquake has seen severe damage to 38 silos but such is the generosity of fellow farmers, that some 8,000 tonnes of storage capacity was quickly made available. The issue is now the weather that may cause further damage.

Dairy update:
As of this evening, there are now three milking platforms that are incapable of operation. Federated Farmers genuinely expresses its admiration to the contractors who have helped farmers repair damaged equipment with utter dedication.

As mains power is progressively restored, this has allowed generators to be transferred to other farms in need so that every cowshed in North Canterbury is now functioning with power (either generator or mains). The spirit of farming is such, that multiple herds are being put through functioning platforms where necessary.

Generators:
Federated Farmers now has a number of offers for generators and appreciates the generosity of every single offer. Farmers needing generators can call 0800 327 646.

Schools and the University of Canterbury:
Civil Defence advises that every school in Christchurch, Selwyn district and Kaiapoi will be closed for two days on Monday 6 September and Tuesday 7 September. This applies to the state and private sectors alike. The University of Canterbury (including the College of Education at Dovedale) is closed while the campus is assessed. The University will not open before 6.00 am on Monday, 13 September.

Stock water:
Stock water remains an issue and if you need or can offer assistance with stock water, please call 0800 327 646.

Reporting damage:
If you do have damage, please make contact with the EQC on 0800 326 243 and take photographs of damaged property. If you consider any damage to be potentially life threatening, dial 111.

If you can offer assistance or need assistance, please contact:

0800 327 646 (0800 FARMING)

ends