Mud and silt left behind at an Esk Valley property in Hawke's Bay after Cyclone Gabrielle passed through. Photo: RNZ / Sally Murphy
Horticulture New Zealand has written an open letter to the government calling for more help for cyclone-affected growers.
More than two months since the cyclone flooded orchards in Hawke's Bay and Tai Rāwhiti killing trees and vines the industry group said it has concern about the delay in government providing direction and announcing further support.
It outlined three things the horticulture industry needed:
- Access to additional government funding for recovery, reestablishment and rebuild
- Accelerated infrastructure repair, so produce can be transported to domestic markets or exported
- Decisions on land use to be announced as soon as possible.
"Many ministers have visited the affected areas and various government departments have asked for and received data and information on the cyclone's impacts to the horticulture industry, leading to a nationwide impression of responsiveness, but the reality is less reassuring," the letter said.
So far the government has funded $78 million for farmers and growers.
To help with the clean-up, growers can get $2000 a hectare to a maximum of $40,000 but some RNZ has spoken to said they were spending between $50,000 and $70,000 per hectare just to remove silt.
"The harvest of surviving crops is concluding as we enter late autumn. Planning now starts for next year's crops but there is still too much uncertainty for affected businesses to plan and reinvest. Furthermore, banks need a strong signal from the government if they are to continue to support the horticulture sector in affected areas," the letter said.
It said many growers have lost much if not all their income for the season and are struggling to fund immediate clean-up costs including current and extra staff wages.
"We understand the government's desire to get its response to the recovery right. However, the ambiguity and delay in announcing next steps is doing more harm than good, and grower frustrations, fears and stress are rising", the letter said.
The government has been approached for comment.