ZB ZB
Live now
Start time
Playing for
End time
Listen live
Listen to NAME OF STATION
Up next
Listen live on
ZB

Govt offers North Canterbury farmers $88k in support amid drought

Author
Charlie Greenhalgh,
Publish Date
Fri, 1 Jul 2016, 7:40AM
$88,000 of funding has been granted to farmers by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy (Photo / Getty Images)
$88,000 of funding has been granted to farmers by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy (Photo / Getty Images)

Govt offers North Canterbury farmers $88k in support amid drought

Author
Charlie Greenhalgh,
Publish Date
Fri, 1 Jul 2016, 7:40AM

There's uncertainty about how farmers will cope, now that the drought in North Canterbury's been extended until the end of the year.

Up to $88,000 in additional funding for recovery coordination has been allocated by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy.

Hurunui District Mayor Winston Dalley said as far as they know, nobody has so far been forced to walk off the land.

"We have talked regularly with banks to get a feel for that. There's no indication that anybody is quite at that point yet, but another 12 months may be quite a different story."

Mr Dalley said there are farms which no longer have animals, which look unlikely to return again for lambing.

He while the funding won't help to feed the animals, it will help in keeping those farmers and families strong.

Federated Farmers North Canterbury president Lynda Murchison said the funding is welcome, because there was there was potential for a perfect storm with the prolonged drought.

She said the money doesn't pay the bills, but instead organises communtiy events and mental health services.

Take your Radio, Podcasts and Music with you