Support for drought declaration in Rangitikei, Manawatu

Media Release

7 March 2013

Support for drought declaration in Rangitikei, Manawatu

Business Central supports calls for the Government to extend the drought declaration to Rangitikei and Manawatu, says Chief Executive Raewyn Bleakley.

“Farmers in these areas are starting to do it hard and it won't be too long before businesses begin to feel the effects as farmers close their wallets in anticipation of a tough time in the weeks and months ahead.

“When the Primary Industries Minister talks of the drought possibly costing the economy $1 billion he doesn’t mean that just farmers will be affected – everyone from machinery and merchandise retailers, to contractors and fertiliser companies, right down to supermarkets, will be affected at some point.

“When farmers cut or delay their spending until things are clearer, everyone is affected, starting with businesses in provincial towns.

“The government assistance for farmers and the support they can access from the banks when an area is designated a drought area can make a massive difference, and Business Central urges the Government to look closely at this for Rangitikei and Manawatu,” Ms Bleakley concluded.

ENDS

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