Ensuring resilience in regional New Zealand

Regional community resilience is being bolstered with new Government initiatives focused on building preparedness and capacity for dealing with adverse events, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson have today announced.

The three initiatives are:

• $160,000 to enhance and strengthen the capabilities of the country's 16 Rural Advisory Groups to boost the resilience and preparedness of regions to withstand adverse events
• $50,000 to enable Taskforce Kiwi to swiftly mobilise and deploy its skilled volunteers to support rural communities affected by disasters
• $50,000 to develop the capacity and skills of rural leaders to plan for resilient futures for their regions

Mr McClay says both the advisory groups and Taskforce Kiwi have demonstrated effective and well-appreciated support when rural communities need it most.

"Farmers and growers across the country have seen first-hand how these groups can lend expertise and a helping hand following adverse events."

"Rural New Zealanders are a resilient bunch and there are many in our communities who are ready to step up and provide support during an emergency.

"We want to foster these individual's strengths so they have what they need and their communities can be prepared."

Rural advisory groups are critical regional bodies representing the primary sector and rural communities, especially during adverse weather events. They include sector groups such as Federated Farmers, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ.

"Supporting farmers and growers to be well prepared for adverse events helps lessen the impact of such events on farms, food supplies and the wider economy."

Mr Patterson says resilient rural communities are not built in the midst of adversity; they are built through preparation, connection, and capability long before challenges arise. That is why investing in initiatives such as Taskforce Kiwi and Rural Advisory Groups is an investment in stronger rural communities.

These initiatives help strengthen the skills, confidence, and capacity our communities need to respond, recover, and thrive when adverse events occur.

"Both in times of crisis and ahead of them, this Government is focused on ensuring rural New Zealanders remain resilient."