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Otago flooding response: Updates for farmers

Published on 8 October 2024.

The New Zealand Veterinary Association Te Pae Kīrehe is continuing to monitor the situation in the Otago region for farmers and other animal owners.

Concern remains about the high risk of water borne diseases in the region. People are being encouraged to keep their animals out of floodwater and ensure they have access to clean drinking water. You can find more resources and advice about flooding and animal welfare on the NZVA website.

Animal welfare

  • Any animal welfare issues should be directed to MPI on 0800 00 83 33 or awem@mpi.govt.nz.
  • Any rural human welfare issues should be directed to the Otago Rural Advisory Group (RAG) on 0800 787 254 (RuralHelp).
  • MPI is working with Otago Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM) to assess rural needs. Farmers are being encouraged to contact MPI at OtagoOFS@mpi.govt.nz, or the Otago Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
  • MPI is not aware of any disruptions to milking. Fonterra contacted 220 farmers over the weekend; they reported that five farmers had to repurpose their milk supply to calf milk, but none was wasted. Collection pickups to all farms are being arranged.
  • There is an extension to timeframes for updating NAIT to help ease pressure on farmers and people in charge of animals. The extension is until 18 October 2024.

Support for farmers

  • FMG Insurance is working with local veterinarians to distribute 700 pies to farmers at on-farm or in-clinic visits.
  • Rural Women New Zealand is organising food packages for farmers with urgent needs. They have made financial assistance grants of up to $1,000 per farm available.
  • Federated Farmers is running a feed coordination service across Southland and Otago.
  • The government has announced that up to $50,000 will be available to provide extra support for farmers and growers in Southland and Clutha district as a result of the wet spring conditions.
  • The Ministry of Social Development (MSD) has civil defence payments available for people in Dunedin and coastal areas of the Clutha district. For more information, contact Work and Income on 0800 400 100 or go to workandincome.govt.nz.

Wellbeing resources

We appreciate this is a stressful time for you and your communities. Here are some places you can find support:

  • Rural Support Trust: Phone 0800 787 254
  • 1737: Anyone can call or text 1737 any time.
  • Farmstrong: A wellbeing programme for the rural community.
  • NZVA mental health resources: A range of resources for supporting your mental health through adverse weather events, including a list of local and national mental health providers.

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