Flood Counselling Services On Offer

Monday, 23 February 2004, 2:27 pm
Press Release: Federated Farmers

23 February 2004 PR 42/04

Farming families in the lower North Island suffering the effects of flooding are encouraged to call advice and counselling services offering day-to-day support through this time of crisis, said Tom Lambie, President of Federated Farmers of New Zealand (Inc).

"The floods have understandably put families under enormous stress, the effects of which can be very difficult to deal with. The emotional impact on farmers and their families is huge. In times like these, farmers can turn to a free and confidential counselling service for help," Mr Lambie said.

"There are rural support trusts which offer counselling services for farmers and individuals who need to talk issues through with an independent person, and to help with applications for Rural Sector Assistance if this is necessary."

Counselling services are available through the following trusts:

Rural Family Support Trust.
Covers Manawatu/Rangitikei, Horowhenua and South Taranaki.
Contact Margaret Millard on 0508 376 8448, or (06) 329 6860 (hm), fax (06) 329 6757, email millard@manawatu.gen.nz.

East Coast Rural Support Trust.
For Tararua, contact Chris Southgate (06) 374 9862 or 0274 846 576 or email cwsouthgate@xtra.co.nz.
For Hawke's Bay, contact Neil Kittow on (06) 844 2665.
For Wairarapa, Kapiti and Upper Hutt, contact Bruce Watkins 06 378 7563, hmebw@xtra.co.nz

In addition, government-supported agricultural recovery facilitators on the ground in flood-affected areas will help organise clean up teams, Taskforce Green teams, and other types of help. They are

Feilding: Bruce Beard (06) 323 2281.
Manawatu: Bruce Withell (06) 358 3202.
Ruapehu: part-time appointment being considered.
South Wairarapa: Bruce Watkins (06) 378 7563.
Taranaki (interim appointment): Neville Hagenson (06) 752 5861 or 025 273 7588.
Tararua: Chris Southgate (06) 374 9862 or (0274) 846 576.
Wanganui (interim appointment): Bruce Cottrill 0274 426 101.

Federated Farmers also operates a flood helpline -- 0800 FFLOOD or 0800 335 663

Farmers wanting flood-related legal advice can contact Federation Legal Adviser Mike Smith on 0800 FARMING or 0800 327 646

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