Far North news in brief: Cyclone fund applications open, Waitangi exhibition
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Scoop
30-06-2025
- Scoop
Support For Flood Affected Farmers And Growers
Hon Todd McClay Minister of Agriculture Minister for Rural Communities The Government today classified the flooding across the Nelson, Tasman, and Marlborough regions as a medium-scale adverse event unlocking extra support for flood-affected farmers and growers Agriculture Minister Todd McClay, and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson say. 'Last week's deluge damaged infrastructure such as livestock fences, culverts, and tracks, and left pasture and orchards covered in silt and flood debris,' Mr McClay says. 'The Government is making up to $100,000 available to support and coordinate recovery efforts, including up to $20,000 for the Top of the South Rural Support Trust. The remainder of the funding will be made available to other organisations that work with farmers and growers on-the-ground. 'Today's classification unlocks further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief. It also enables MSD to consider Rural Assistance Payments and activating Enhanced Taskforce Green.' This funding is on top of $100,000 already contributed by the Government to the Mayoral Relief Fund. Mr Patterson is encouraging flood-affected farmers and growers to seek support if they need it and to monitor the weather forecast. 'It's important to help those farmers and growers and rural communities now facing a big clean-up effort, such as fixing damaged fences,' Mr Patterson says. 'The government, via Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) On Farm Support will continue to work closely with sector groups and the Rural Support Trust to determine where the need is and how the funding will be allocated. 'Farmers and growers will face many months of work to get back on track. We will continue to assess what further support is needed to assist recovery efforts. 'There is a risk of further rain this week. We are encouraging farmers to stay informed through MetService forecasts and to take necessary precautions, such as moving livestock to higher ground.' Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Scoop
29-06-2025
- Scoop
Tasman Mayoral Relief Fund Open For Donations
Following a government contribution of $100,000 to the Tasman Mayoral Relief Fund earlier today, the fund is now open to accept donations from the public. Any person or organisation wishing to donate to the Nelson Tasman Mayoral Relief Fund can deposit funds into the Tasman District Council bank account 12-3193-0002048-00. When making a donation, please use the reference 'Mayoral Relief Fund'. Tasman District Deputy Mayor Stu Bryant says the region has experienced significant and widespread damage. 'The impact of this event will be felt for months, particularly within Tasman's agricultural sector, which has been hit hard,' he says. 'We've heard from many people across Tasman wanting to help. One of the most effective ways to support the recovery is by donating to the Mayoral Relief Fund. It enables us to reach those who aren't able to access assistance through other channels.' The Fund will be open to any resident, ratepayer, business owner, and not-for-profit organisation in Tasman regions that have suffered financial hardship as a result of the weather event that began on Friday 27 June 2025. The fund will provide assistance on a one-off basis for extraordinary circumstances where real need can be shown. Those who wish to apply for the Mayoral Relief Fund can email MayoralRelief@ 'This event has caused immense devastation across the region — but amid the hardship, the incredible way our communities have stepped up to offer help and support has been truly heartening,' says Stu.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Scoop
Fifth-Warmest Autumn On Record Brings Wet Weather To The South Island
Overview Autumn 2025 was characterised by higher than normal mean sea level pressure (MSLP) over and surrounding Aotearoa New Zealand. There were more northeasterly winds than normal over the country, resulting in above average (0.51-1.20°C above average) to well above average (>1.20°C above average) seasonal temperatures in every region of the country. Near average (±0.50°C of average) seasonal temperatures were limited to several isolated locations, namely Christchurch, Rangiora, Waiau, Masterton, Stratford, and Tūrangi. Overall, the nationwide average temperature for autumn 2025 was 14.5°C. This was 1.0°C above the 1991-2020 average from NIWA's seven station temperature series which begins in 1909, making it New Zealand's 5th-warmest autumn on record. It was a wet season for eastern and northern parts of the South Island, with above normal (120-149% of normal) or well above normal (>149% of normal) rainfall for northern parts of Otago, eastern Canterbury, Marlborough, Nelson, and Tasman. Rainfall was also above normal or well above normal in Northland, parts of Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, western Bay of Plenty, and parts of Wellington. In contrast, rainfall was below normal (50-79% of normal) in Dunedin, Aotearoa New Zealand Climate Summary: Autumn 2025 Issued: 5 June 2025 Whanganui, the Tararua District, and Hawke's Bay, with well below normal rainfall (<50% of normal) in Middlemarch. One of the most significant events during the season was a heavy rainfall event over Canterbury from 30 April – 1 May. This resulted in considerable surface flooding, and saw a state of emergency declared in Christchurch, Selwyn District, and Banks Peninsula. Earlier in the season, the arrival of ex-tropical cyclone Tam on 16 April brought high-impact weather to northern parts of the country. Thousands of people lost power due to downed power lines, while storm surges caused coastal erosion in some areas. See the Highlights and extreme events section below for more details of these and other notable weather events that occurred during the season. Further highlights: • The highest temperature was 33.6°C, observed at Timaru on 17 March. • The lowest temperature was -5.0°C, observed at Manapouri on 19 May and Tūrangi on 22 May. • The highest 1-day rainfall was 290 mm, recorded at Tākaka on 3 April. • The highest wind gust was 200 km/h, observed at Cape Turnagain on 30 May. • The sunniest four locations in 2025 so far are Taranaki (1257 hours), Bay of Plenty (1196 hours), Auckland (1182 hours) and Mackenzie Basin (1158 hours). • Of the six main centres in autumn 2025, Auckland was the warmest, Christchurch was the coolest, Tauranga was the wettest and sunniest, and Dunedin was the driest and least sunny.
