Farmers urged to call Regional Rural Recovery Group for earthquake assistance

Canterbury farmers dealing with the aftermath of Saturday’s earthquake and aftershocks are being advised to call the newly established Regional Rural Recovery Group for assistance.

“Farmers should contact Rural Recovery via the Selwyn District Council on 03 347 2800. They should use us to get help and as their main contact for updates and correct technical advice,” says Allan Baird, the Regional Rural Recovery Group Coordinator.

“The Rural Recovery Group is assessing the on-farm quake damage and coordinating the recovery needs of farmers. We are organising a wide range of assistance from on-farm inspections, generators, accommodation and staff, to stress counselling for farmers and their families,” says Allan.

“There are also some specific issues which farmers need to deal with such as the potential contamination of potable water bores, silt in wells and damage to pumps and irrigation systems.”

“People need to avoid turning on irrigator pumps until the after shocks have settled down to allow the aquifers to settle, if possible. And when they do turn on pumps, there are a number of steps to take reduce the risk of damage to the pump. We suggest they contact their pump installer for specific advice.”

Activated on Thursday by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF), The Rural Recovery Group brings together Fonterra, DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb, Federated Farmers, Irrigation New Zealand, the Insurance Council, North Canterbury Rural Support Trust, banks, Selwyn District Council and several other rural sector organisations to coordinate the rural recovery as part of the Civil Defence response.

Allan says the Regional Rural Recovery Group is meeting daily to share information and coordinate efforts across organisations to ensure the rapid recovery of Canterbury’s rural community.

“We are working to do whatever we can to help our community come through this in the best shape and bring a sense of normality back as soon as possible.”

ENDS

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