Level of demand for rural relief shows extent of damage to farms from February flooding

Applications to the Buller and Tasman Rural Mayoral Relief Fund significantly outstripped the $140,000 in funds available for allocation.

Buller Mayor Jamie Cleine says this demonstrates the significant impact of the February 2022 weather event on rural properties across Buller District and neighbouring parts of Tasman District.

“We received 27 applications for the fund, detailing over $2.7 million of uninsurable losses across both Districts. This amount signifies the extent of the damage caused from the February floods. The Rural Mayoral Relief Fund committee were also very aware that less than half of the farms known to have been affected by flooding chose to apply to the fund.

“The Rural Mayoral Relief Fund was funded by Ministry for Primary Industries to support farmers who were adversely affected by the February floods. Applications closed on 17 June and the Rural Mayoral Relief Fund committee met on Monday to allocate the funds. The fund has now been fully allocated.

“The committee acknowledges that it has been an extremely difficult time for some farmers and advise that if farms have ongoing issues, they should contact the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787254,” says Mayor Cleine.

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For more information contact:
Mayor Jamie Cleine
[email protected]