The Taranaki Regional Council has announced a $500,000 storm recovery package for farmers who suffered damage in last month's extreme weather.
Waitotara Valley Photo: SUPPLIED
Council chairman David MacLeod said heavy rain caused extensive slipping, soil erosion and damage to fencing in the eastern hill country and on the ring plain around Mt Taranaki, where hundred of metres of riparian planting was wiped out.
Many areas in the Whanganui, Manawatu and Rangitekei regions also suffered extensive damage.
Mr MacLeod said farmers might expect to be hit by such extraordinary damage only once or twice in a lifetime of farming.
The package offered farmers assistance with replacement of riparian plants, help with riparian planting, supplies of grass seed for re-grassing in spring and the replacement of damaged fencing done under the South Taranaki Regional Erosion Support Scheme, he said.