Primary Industries Earthquake Relief Fund for uninsured farm infrastructure

On 1 December 2016 Minister for Primary Industries announced the $4 million earthquake relief fund for uninsurable farm infrastructure repair grants.

Applications were invited from earthquake damaged primary businesses in the Hurunui, Kaikōura and Marlborough districts, to apply for grants to re-establish uninsurable assets like fences, water infrastructure and opening up tracks, culverts and farm bridges. Workshops were held across the rural areas to help farmers with their applications.

One Assessment Panel for the three districts included the Mayor of each district and representatives from Federated Farmers, Rural Support Trusts, and the Ministry for Primary Industries and independent farm consultants. Grants were a contribution towards the cost of repairs: minimum threshold $12,000, 50% of costs up to a maximum cap of $50,000 with a maximum cap of $100,000 approved by the Minister for the ten most affected farms. From 107 applications, 93 grants were made ranging from $1,134 to $100,000. The majority of claims were made for repair of internal access and land contouring (38%) and fencing (36%).