MEDIA RELEASE
***VIDEO/PHOTOS available HERE
Saturday, 29 November 2024
More than 240 farmers still recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle have received fencing materials as they gathered at the Rapid Relief Team’s (RRT) Farmers Community Connect event in Gisborne.
A dedicated team of 58 RRT volunteers tirelessly loaded up fencing posts for thankful farmers. They also put on a feast fit for a fencing frenzy, cooking up more than 500 signature burgers and handing out refreshments and snacks.
RRT NZ Director Cameron Prestige said the event was an opportunity to show farmers that support is still available after one of New Zealand’s worst cyclone disasters.
“This initiative is designed to give farmers a helping hand as they continue from one of the most devastating natural disasters New Zealand has experienced,” Cameron said.
“We were privileged to support Federated Farmers in this event which will provide some relief to farmers as they continue to recover and rebuild after Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We’ve found FCC events are a great way to connect our farmers in need with their local communities to give them support and show them we care.
“Of course, it wouldn’t be the Rapid Relief Team without a grill and some hot, tasty food and we were thrilled to see the bacon and egg rolls, burgers and coffee go down very well.”
Federated Farmers of New Zealand spokesperson Tony Williams said it’s been a long road to recovery for farmers.
“Farmers were hit hard by Gabrielle and it has taken almost two years just to get back to a sense of normality, with many still doing it tough,” Tony said.
“This event is for them to hopefully provide a small boost to their efforts to rebuild their farms and get back on their feet.
“Federated Farmers has donated $340,000 worth of fencing materials which are sorely needed. We thank the Rapid Relief Team for their support of our farmers.”
RRT NZ donated 5,300 fence posts and 34,500 battens.
This is the 6th Farmers Community Connect event that RRT NZ has helped deliver. In 2023 RRT NZ donated more than 1,300 fencing packs worth $1.9 million and served 3,330 meals during events held in Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Wairoa, Waipukurau, and Wellsford.
As the charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church, RRT supports frontline workers and emergency services by providing food, donations and other resources, as well as hosting events for the community.
Established in 2013 to assist emergency services in times of disaster and crisis by providing meals and other support, it’s expanded to more than 14,500 volunteers and provides support to the community through charitable donations and events.
For more information on RRT, please go to www.rrtglobal.org/.
Media enquiries: Jack Douglas 0450 115 005