Photo: ODT filesThe Government will contribute at least $5 million in primary sector support to those affected by the Kaikoura earthquake and its aftershocks, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said. The package is made up of $4 million for Mayoral Disaster Rural Relief funds in Hurunui, Kaikoura and Marlborough districts to help with non-insurable assets such as tracks, on-farm bridges and water infrastructure, Mr Guy said. It will also provide $500,000 in support for Rural Recovery Co-ordinators in those districts, $500,000 extra funding for Rural Support Trusts and $200,000 a month "to mobilise and support skilled primary industry students and workers for farm recovery work". Farmers can also apply for emergency rural assistance payments from Work and Income NZ if they are in real hardship, he said. "Most have backup power but lack of supplies is an issue for more isolated farms".

Source: Otago Daily Times November 18, 2016 00:44 UTC