Tuesday, March 19, 2024

Drought relief grows recognition

Avatar photo
As Jessie Waite drove down Taranaki’s coastal highway there was no escaping the savage drought gripping the region.  It was January 2018. Parched, dusty paddocks flanked the busy tourist route. 
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Failed turnip crops were a stark reminder of rains that never came.

 For many coastal farmers it was the worst season in decades.

 “In parts of coastal Taranaki a large number of dairy farmers had been forced to dry off some of their cows before Christmas,” Waite said. 

The situation was dire.

 “It was an extremely stressful time for a lot of families. They were struggling to feed livestock, water was scare in some areas and money was tight.”

 Waite works for Taranaki Federated Farmers, managing the organisation’s regional office in New Plymouth.

 The drought saw her step up and organise relief efforts.

 A series of free family barbecues were held in drought-ravaged coastal communities to encourage weather-weary farmers to get off their farms.

 She worked with the Rural Support Trust over the Christmas period to organise seven events.

 “We found a number of sponsors and rural companies who were happy to contribute, which was amazing.

 “The BBQs gave families a free outing. We supplied a tasty lunch and kept the kids entertained, giving the adults an opportunity to catch up with their neighbours.

 “In many cases it helped people realise they weren’t alone.”

 Coordinating the barbecues meant Waite didn’t get much of a summer break, but she wasn’t bothered.

 “Having a summer holiday was the last thing on my mind when the welfare of Taranaki farmers was taking another hit.”

 Waite’s can-do attitude reflects her dedication and passion for the sector.

 The Central Taranaki Young Farmers member returned home to Taranaki in 2016, after working as a reporter at the Oamaru Mail.

 She landed a job at Taranaki Federated Farmers.

 The 26-year-old was nominated for a NZ Young Farmers Excellence Award by a member of the organisation’s farmer executive.

 “Jessie will say she ‘helped’ organise the community BBQs, but the truth is without her, they never would have happened,” the nomination read.

 “During a period when most office managers were slowing down for the Christmas break, Jessie was hustling hard – liaising between DairyNZ, vets, the Rural Support Trust, NZ Young Farmers, community halls and the Federated Farmers executive to organise the events.

 “It was because of her hard work that over an extremely stressful time hundreds of struggling farmers were able to get off the farm and forget about the dry for a while,” it said.

 Waite also helped coordinate a feed drive, which triggered offers of support from across the country.

 “We had phone calls from the top of the North Island to the bottom of the South Island. It was a really humbling experience,” she said.

 The donated feed – mainly hay and silage – was given to local farmers in dire need of extra food for their livestock.

 “A lot of times in the past it’s been Taranaki farmers who have put their hand up to help, so it was nice to see that generosity reciprocated.”

 Waite has a reputation for getting things done. She has built an impressive network of contacts which she uses to help farmers.

 “Jessie took on this job and really made it her own. She makes things happen and has excellent people skills,” Taranaki Federated Farmers president Donald McIntrye said.

 “During the drought Jessie did a lot of extra miles during the holiday period to ensure our response was swift and wide-reaching.”

 And, in early 2017, she organised about a dozen workshops across Taranaki on a major overhaul of regulations surrounding the care and transport of bobby calves.

 They were run in conjunction with DairyNZ, the Ministry for Primary Industries, trucking companies and bobby calf processors.

 “That’s probably the biggest roadshow I’ve had to organise and run in this job,” she said.

 “Obviously there were a few people who weren’t happy about the changes, but at the end of the day we were just trying to provide useful information to farmers.”

 Waite is also heavily involved in NZ Young Farmers.

 She was previously the chair of Oamaru-based Five Forks Young Farmers and convened one Aorangi Regional Final of the FMG Young Farmer of the Year during her time in North Otago.

 She is currently a delegate on the NZ Young Farmers National Committee and serves as the chair of the Taranaki and Manawatu regions. 

 “I’m an opportunity taker. 

“I’m someone who takes opportunities when they arise and if I need to learn new skills to progress, then I do.”

 Realising she had won a NZ Young Farmers Excellence Award was an exciting moment for Waite.

 “I couldn’t believe that I had been nominated and picked as a finalist, let alone being named as a winner.”

 “I definitely don’t do what I do to get recognition, but when I do it’s a nice pat on the back,” she said. 

The awards recognise NZ Young Farmers members who are leaders, achievers and role models.

Waite joined volunteer firefighter Michael McCombs, 26, and FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final organiser James Goodwin, 31, as the 2018 recipients of the accolade.

“This year’s winners are shining examples of young people who are stepping-up and making a difference,” NZ Young Farmers board chair Ash-Leigh Campbell said.

“The trio epitomises everything our Excellence Awards stand for.”

More: The winners will be presented with their awards at the NZ Young Farmers Conference in Christchurch in February.

Total
0
Shares
People are also reading