MEDIA RELEASE
WEBSITE WWW.FEDFARM.ORG.NZ
28 February 2011

‘Farmy Army’ ploughs into 1,100 tonnes of liquefaction

The Federated Farmers led ‘Farmy Army’ has today removed in excess of 1,100 tonnes of liquefaction from homes in the New Brighton area. Federated Farmers ‘Farmy Army’ also went into Ferrymead for the first time to carry out a ‘renaissance in depth’.

“Today we had 200 volunteers but were bolstered by over 20 diggers,” says John Hartnell, Federated Farmers earthquake spokesperson.

“Each digger can easily do the work of 20 people and with upwards of 25 on the job today, we’re getting the tools to keep chipping away at liquefaction from inside residential sections.

“We also made a tentative evaluation of Ferrymead today because on Wednesday, we expect a large influx of volunteers from the North Island as well as from New Zealand Young Farmers.

“I now need to make a call for people to donate their wheelbarrows.

“I can’t promise that they’ll be returned and even if they do come back, that they’ll be in pristine condition, but we need at least 50 by Wednesday for our volunteers coming into Christchurch to use.

“Can I also make a call on large businesses and Government departments to alert their staff to the clean up effort we’re leading. It provides a positive outlet with a satisfying outcome for many people who may be just looking for something to do.

“All we ask is for the Government departments and big businesses who may have closed their Christchurch offices, is to let their staff know to turn up at the A+P Showgrounds between 7am and 12pm each day.

“We’ll make anyone an honorary member of the ‘Farmy Army’ because Federated Farmers needs as many shovels and wheelbarrows out there that Christchurch has to offer.

“We’ve also changed the daily close off to 12pm in order to maximise the contribution of each volunteer over the working day.

“There may also be also landscape contractors or builders who have the kind of equipment we need lying idle due to the earthquake. Can I please ask you to bring them into the Showgrounds where they’ll be most welcome,” Mr Hartnell concluded.

Can the media please assist with promoting these messages:

There are probably residents at home wishing to pitch into the recovery effort. There may also be also landscape contractors/builders who have the kind of equipment needed lying idle that could vastly speed up the clean-up

Federated Farmers is making an open call for any and all volunteers to report to the A+P Showgrounds, Curletts Road, Christchurch each day.

Registrations run each day from 7am to 12pm

Volunteer labourers are asked to bring shovels, wheelbarrows and personal protection equipment such as gumboots, gloves, sunblock, bottled water, etc

Federated Farmers is especially keen to get as much small equipment into the operation as possible

There is a major need for as many diggers and loaders to a maximum weight of 3 tonne as possible, to join the effort (this is a weight increase over what has been previously advised). If people have and can operate such equipment then please go direct to the A+P Showgrounds with this equipment between 7am and 12pm and register there

If people wish to offer larger pieces of equipment, we are still interested to build up our equipment list as road conditions and the need changes. If you are able to offer such equipment and operators can call 0800 FARMING (0800 327 646) or email our offer to mail@fedfarm.org.nz.

For farmers and out of town volunteers, accommodation will also be provided by local rugby clubs Please bring sleeping bags and personal effects and discuss this during registration

ENDS

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