Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy is expecting further advice over the weekend, and said the temporary closure of fisheries could be necessary. Paua and crayfish habitats were particularly hard hit, Guy said, with the seabed lifted up to four metres in places. Speaking to reporters at Parliament after announcing a $5 million support package for farmers and the fishing industry in the upper South Island, Guy said he hoped to get scientists into the water soon to make assessments. • $200,000 a month to "mobilise and support skilled primary industry students and workers" for farm recovery work. The support package was modelled on a similar scheme for Christchurch.

Source: New Zealand Herald November 17, 2016 23:59 UTC