Wairarapa’s Rural Support Trust is wasting no time helping communities still reeling from Cyclone Hale.
The charitable trust received $80,000 in funding relief from the Government to help farmers and growers recover from the widespread flooding that hit the region earlier this month.
Following the funding announcement Wairarapa trust coordinator Sarah Donaldson said the damage was overwhelming in many parts of the region, with coastal communities from Glenburn to Tinui particularly hard hit.
“We recognise that this is going to take a substantial amount of time and community effort.
“It’s not going to be a quick fix.”
In an update on social media, the trust said the community had rallied in the past couple of weeks, with people across various industries lending time and equipment.
‘So far, we have had seven crews of volunteers in the last two weeks to help on local farms, and more heading out today [February 4].
‘The farmers hosting our crews have been so grateful for the extra help to lighten the recovery.’
The trust said Wairarapa MP and Emergency Management Minister Kieran McAnulty went up in a helicopter on Friday to assess and highlight the impact of the flood damage.
A video of the flight shows extensive slips and silt-covered properties, with one person commenting that it was grim seeing their farm from an aerial perspective.
The trust said it had been marrying up farmers with support options to meet their specific needs and had funding for a local fencer to provide insurance quotes or consultations.
‘People are starting to utilise the 10 Solar Energisers to assist in getting power to control stock. Please get in touch if this would be useful.’
It said it was also currently in discussions with the Ministry of Social Development and the regional council about their support role.
East Coast Rural Support Trust can be contacted via their Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ruralsupporttrustwai
