Clean up’s underway in earnest

The cleanup is now well underway in all our affected regions. This is a grueling and anxious time for growers, who are busy removing silt to save trees and vines, and removing silt from land used to grow vegetables.

At the same time, growers are counting the cost of the cyclone, flooding and silt, in terms of lost homes, orchards, vehicles, packhouses, tractors and all the other equipment and technology that goes to make up a modern growing operation.

Everyone is feeling very tired – if not exhausted – and are questioning the future. 

There are some big questions to be answered across New Zealand about where we live, grow and farm. Those questions will take some time to answer. In the interim, where it is more obvious that living and growing does have a future, growers are digging deep to start the long road to recovery.

The wider horticulture industry, HortNZ and product groups are behind you, now and over the coming years. Keep telling us what you need, and we will do all we can to anticipate future needs, and ensure central and local Government are aligned. To date, as an industry, we have spoken with one voice to get immediate cleanup and recovery financial support from the Government, as a first and vital step.  We have also worked together to achieve flexibility in the Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) scheme, which has been greatly appreciated. 

We are very aware that Hawkes Bay and Gisborne are not the only affected areas. Northland’s kumara crop has been decimated and vegetable growers in Pukekohe are still coming to terms with the flooding of 27 January. To all these affected growers, the message is the same. Stay connected, get in touch, take one bite at a time as well as a break where you can, and focus on what you can do in terms of the future.   

To date, central Government has paid out several million through its recovery grants, with the total amount available being increased to $51 million last Monday. We thank the Ministers and officials who have helped make this happen. It has been a huge effort to stand something up so quickly to address immediate needs.

Behind the scenes, HortNZ, product groups, councils and interest groups are working to assist Government understanding of the cumulative and future impact of all the recent adverse weather events on our sector, what the recovery needs to look like and how to support that recovery. 

Our core focus is on what will help growers through this difficult and challenging time, so they can stay in the industry, continue to grow fresh healthy food, and provide meaningful secure employment for New Zealanders’. 

This is just the start

We need to remember that this is just the start of a clean up and recovery that will take years, with the high level of uncertainty associated with any long-term activity.

Our industry has many fundamentals in its favour. For example, premium varieties, robust growing systems coupled with great science brains, committed and talented growers and employees, and the Government’s desire to support our sector’s future.

Some fundamental change is necessary and inevitable, but that will take time. In the meantime, let’s all work together and support affected growers to get back on their feet and starting planning for a future, in the best form possible.