01 Oct 2026
3 weeks ago
308 views
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have classified the extreme wet and cold conditions in Southland and the Clutha District as a medium-scale adverse event, unlocking up to $50,000 in support for local Rural Support Trusts and tax relief for affected farmers. The ongoing harsh weather, linked to El Niño, has severely impacted farmers during critical periods like calving and lambing, prompting coordinated efforts by MPI, regional councils, and farming organizations to provide assistance. Farmers and growers are encouraged to seek help through various support services, including the Rural Support Trust and MPI, with multiple contact numbers provided for immediate aid.
24 Jul 2026
3 months ago
670 views
The Government is contributing $50,000 to the Kaikōura Mayoral Relief Fund to assist with recovery from severe flooding and landslides that caused widespread damage in July. This funding, requested by the Kaikōura District Council, will support community needs like residential waste disposal and replacing uninsurable items, supplementing an earlier $50,000 grant to local farmers. Mayoral Relief Funds provide rapid, targeted aid to fill immediate gaps after emergencies, complementing other support from agencies without replacing insurance or other funding sources.
09 Jul 2026
3 months ago
644 views
The Government is providing $50,000 to the Farmers Adverse Events Trust to aid flood-affected Kaikōura farmers, with Federated Farmers matching the amount through fundraising. The immediate focus is on animal welfare, with efforts underway to relocate around 4,000 animals from flood-damaged areas to safe grazing, while ongoing assessments continue for other regions impacted by severe weather. Farmers are advised to monitor weather forecasts, take precautions, and contact support services like the Rural Support Trust and MPI for assistance.
25 Jun 2026
4 months ago
853 views
The speech highlights the National-led Government’s commitment to supporting New Zealand’s primary industries through regulatory reform, trade expansion, and investment in innovation and leadership development. It emphasizes the sector’s strong export growth, environmental initiatives like farmer-led catchment groups, and new policies such as Land Use Flexibility to boost productivity while maintaining sustainability. The Government aims to ensure a resilient, profitable, and globally competitive agricultural sector that underpins rural communities and national prosperity.
10 Jun 2026
4 months ago
844 views
The Government has launched three initiatives totaling $260,000 to enhance the preparedness and resilience of rural communities through strengthening Rural Advisory Groups, supporting Taskforce Kiwi volunteers, and developing rural leadership skills. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson emphasized the importance of proactive investment in capacity-building to help rural areas effectively respond to and recover from adverse events. These efforts aim to support farmers, protect food supplies, and foster stronger, well-prepared rural communities before crises occur.
28 Jul 2025
1 year ago
3189 views
Farmer confidence in New Zealand has reached an eight-year high, indicating the resilience of the sector and progress towards doubling export value. The shift in sentiment is evident from the latest Federated Farmers Confidence Survey, showing a significant increase in confidence levels. This positive trend is attributed to the hard work of rural New Zealanders and government support, with key improvements in profitability, productivity, and mental health reported.