Strategic support offered for storm-affected orchardists

November 10th, 2014
[TDC press release]

The devastation wrought by hail storms last week on a number of orchards in Riwaka, Motueka and Lower Moutere has seen the industry, Central Government and the Council take an active role in supporting the families affected.

Approximately 40 orchards were hit by a number of storms causing widespread damage to the apple crop predominantly, with kiwifruit and hops also affected.

While the kiwifruit orchards are universally insured and the damage sustained by the hops was early enough in the season to recover in the main, there were a number of apple growers and their families and staff who will be significantly impacted by this event.

"In situations like this it is not just the orchardist families that are affected; the effect is spread more widely through the whole community," said Tasman Mayor Richard Kempthorne.

"The focus of attention by everyone involved will now be on providing the support needed for the growers involved to be able to make the best decisions they can in the situation they find themselves.

"I will be visiting several orchards with the Minister of Primary Industry Nathan Guy to see first-hand the storm's impact on the growers' operations and lend our support. On the visit we will be accompanied by Ian Palmer, the Pipfruit NZ representative who is leading the response.

"While the impact will be a huge personal challenge for the affected growers' families and staff this is a very resilient sector of our economy with the majority of the Nelson crop still available to market next year," concluded Mayor Kempthorne.

>> , to be added to the page. [If this link doesn't work, use this form instead]

[ Return ]
[ Other news articles ]

We wish to thank these local community-minded businesses who generously sponsor our site. They recognise the value of supporting this community asset, and in return Motueka Online is pleased to use and recommend their services whenever appropriate.

Ray White Motueka, Nelson Building Society, House of Travel,
, Steph Wills Dental Surgery, Elevation Cafe, Restaurant & Bar