*This letter has been sent to the Government today due to concern about the delay in providing direction and announcing further support, and the impact this is having on cyclone-affected
growers and regions. *
It is now more than two months since Cyclone Gabrielle struck, causing widespread devastation to commercial fruit and vegetable growing in Hawkes Bay, Tairāwhiti, Northland and northern Manawatu.
Government responded swiftly to the immediate crisis, which our industry has appreciated. However, our industry urgently needs direction and further support from the Government, as continued delays will have a cumulative effect on current losses and set our industry back by even more years.
The horticulture industry needs:
Access to additional Government funding for recovery, re-establishment and rebuild
The Government to accelerate infrastructure repair, so produce can be transported to domestic markets or exported Government decisions regarding land use to be announced as soon as possible.
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.