What a week meeting and BBQ - Federated Farmers to hold meeting for earthquake affected farmers and families

Federated Farmers is organising a meeting tomorrow for farmers affected by the earthquake in Canterbury.

“We’re extending an invite to all farmers in the region to come along with their family. It’s a chance to hear from experts and ask questions about insurance, water, council issues, stress, and what Government is going to do for farmers,” says Conor English, Federated Farmers Chief Executive.

“It is significant that after the Prime Minister’s visit to affected farms today, we have the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon Bill English, coming to speak at the meeting.

“Obviously this is a very traumatic time for farming families in the region, so this is an opportunity to get some answers and a chance to socialise.

“We are holding the meeting at the Darfield High School, so that farmers can bring their families. We are looking to have bouncy castles for children to play on while the meeting is being held and fizzy drinks for after. We just hope the weather plays its part.

“We are having a free BBQ and free beverages afterwards, so we hope it will be a chance for people relax and have a catch up.

“Agricultural celebrities, Jamie MacKay from the Farming Show, On the Field’s, Richard Loe and celebrity speaker and former Commonwealth Games gold medallist, Dick Tayler, will be on hand to provide entertainment,” Mr English concluded.

The agenda:

What a week - Federated Farmers earthquake meeting

MC: Conor English, Federated Farmers Chief Executive

4.30pm Meeting opening and welcome
Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers President
Neil Stott, Federated Farmers North Canterbury provincial president
Murray Rowlands, Federated Farmers North Canterbury Grain & Seed chairperson

4.35pm What happened - University of Canterbury and the Institute of Geological and Nuclear Science

4.40pm Local government response to earthquake
Selwyn District Council - Nigel Barnett (TBC)
Environment Canterbury - Don Rule, Director of Resource Planning and Consents

5.05pm Tips for managing stress
Regional Rural Recovery Group

5.15pm Water/irrigation issues
Paul Donaldson

5.25pm Insurance
Earthquake Commission - Reid Stiven
Steve Beale - FMG South Island Manager

5.50pm Banking
Westpac Bank

6.00pm Government response to Canterbury Earthquake
The Hon Bill English, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

6.30pm Sum-up and meeting closure
Jamie Mackay, Richard Loe, Dick Tayler

6.30pm Complimentary BBQ and refreshments

ends

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