Friday, March 29, 2024

Quake farmers still isolated

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Three months on and driving down the road remains impossible for many of the worst-affected farmers battling the aftermath of Kaikoura’s November quake.
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And much of that battle was psychological Top of the South Rural Support Trust co-ordinator Ian Blair said.

The east coast was still cut off and communities were very sensitive to media coverage of the earthquake area.

One of the biggest challenges was the least visible, he said.

“The region has been hugely affected up here. There’s some real devastation in an area that has largely flown under the radar and an area where quite consistent and significant shakes continue to happen.

“There has been a lot of national media emphasis on Kaikoura and Hurunui District but many of the worst-hit farmers are north of Kaikoura and you would be quite surprised just what psychological impact that is having,” Blair said.

There was a lot of farm work going on and farmers generally were putting on their brave face but it was the women dealing with the children and running the home who were a growing concern.

“What is going through the minds of the women folk is pretty hard to tell.

“Farmers are very protective of each other but we have to break through that barrier,” Blair said.

While the trust had community activities planned for the coming weeks more one-on-one was needed, he said.

“Closer interaction get-togethers of neighbours, families, friends with a barbecue or picnic is where a lot more feelings are expressed and identified for support.

“There’s no question, some of that is happening but a lot more needs to be done.”

Unfortunately, funding for such activities fell outside the scope for trust funding.

With cooler months approaching the repair of homes was a priority but there was a 12-18 month delay in getting builders.

Another major issue was getting insurance assessors onfarm.

In general there were a lot of grey areas emerging, Blair said.

“While the trust is doing all it can in every circumstance it does not have the ability or scope to do all that is needed.”

Blair acknowledged the good work of other groups and organisations, including the many volunteers who were pitching in.

Federated Farmers had promoted the skilled worker initiative that had teams revisiting farmers and identifying their latest needs in the quake recovery phase.

Funding was available for specific workers to help in the earthquake recovery with skills in fencing, building and general farm work in most demand.

Blair encouraged those able to help and those needing help to register at 0800 327 646 now.

The Government, through MPI, had provided $600,000 to fund skilled onfarm workers and volunteers to help with earthquake recovery.

The programme, managed by the federation and AgStaff, was expected to run until May 31 and volunteers could get up to $100 a week expenses reimbursed.

A mayoral earthquake response fund was set up last week to help people in Hurunui District.

Grants could be made for personal hardship including costs not covered by insurance or for community wellbeing activities and events.

The deadline for the MPI earthquake relief fund, set up to assist with uninsurable infrastructure, had been extended to March 31.

Workshops would run over the coming two weeks to help farmers apply for the relief fund grants. For more information phone the trust on 0800 787 254.

Meanwhile, rural insurer FMG had received 3000 claims to date with 295 valued at $2.7 million so far settled.

FMG chief operations officer Conrad Wilkshire said the claims ranged from destroyed homes, businesses, dairy and wool sheds to household and farm contents. 

“We’re committed to resolving all claims and right now supporting our most vulnerable clients continues to be our top priority.

“This includes clients who can’t return to their homes, making damaged homes weather tight and helping our older clients and others who may have specific needs,” Wilkshire said.

On the business front, it was about providing cashflow with business interruption payments and supporting business continuity.

“We’re doing everything we can to support all clients through the recovery of this major event,” Wilkshire said.

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