21 September 2006

MAF begins consultation on process for recovery from adverse events

The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) is seeking public input to into the development of a new process for recovering from the effects of adverse events on commercial agriculture, horticulture, viticulture and forestry properties.

The aim of the review of the ‘On-farm Adverse Events Recovery Framework’ is to promote a shared understanding of the roles and responsibilities of central government, local government and the primary production sector in preparing for, and recovering from, adverse events.

Adverse events are severe climatic events or natural disasters that are beyond the ability of individual communities to cope with.

MAF has today released a public discussion document, “Building Resilience”, which sets out policy options for how the new system could work.

MAF Policy’s North Island Manager Phil Journeaux says the Ministry wants the framework to be effective and comprehensive. “In order to achieve this we need input from people who live in rural areas, work in the primary sector or have experience of adverse events,” he says.

Mr Journeaux says MAF is particularly interested in hearing about how well recent recovery responses have worked, what the Government should provide after a large-scale adverse event; and when the Government should get involved (ie the defining criteria for help).

“MAF has already received constructive input from industry groups and local government into the development of the discussion document. Now it’s vital we hear from those who are ‘hands-on’ in the productive industries.”

Mr Journeaux says the review process is also an opportunity to promote the importance of planning and preparation for adverse events.

As a part of the consultation process, MAF is holding public consultation meetings throughout the country during October 2006 (see list of meeting locations and dates below). The meetings are an opportunity to learn more about the issues and options identified in the discussion document.

The Ministry is encouraging written submissions and these are due by 31 October 2006.

The discussion document and process for making submissions is available on the MAF website: www.maf.govt.nz/mafnet/rural-nz/assistance/adverse-events

The public meetings are:
Whangarei
Monday, 9 October 2006, 1 to 3pm
A’fare function and reception lounge, 197 Lower Dent Street

Hamilton
Tuesday, 10 October 2006, 1 to 3pm
Kingsgate Hotel, 100 Garnett Avenue, Te Rapa

Whakatane
Wednesday, 11 October 2006, 1 to 3pm
REAP Building, 21 Pyne Street

Gisborne
Wednesday, 18 October 2006, 10am to 12 noon
Cosmopolitan Club, The Watson Room, Grey Street

New Plymouth
Thursday, 12 October 2006, 1 to 3pm
The Devon Hotel, 390 Devon Street East

Hastings
Thursday, 12 October 2006, 1 to 3pm
Angus Inn, Railway Road

Palmerston North
Friday, 13 October 2006, 1 to 3pm
Palmerston North Convention Centre, 400 Main Street West

Nelson
Monday, 16 October 2006, 1 to 3pm
Kingsgate Hotel, Beachcomber Conference Room, 23 Beach Road, Tahunanui

Blenheim
Monday, 16 October 2006, 9 to 11am
Scenic Circle Blenheim Country Hotel, corner of Alfred and Henry Streets

Greymouth
Tuesday, 17 October 2006, 10am to 12 noon
West Coast Regional Council Building
388 Main South Road

Christchurch
Tuesday, 17 October 2006, 10am to 12 noon
Sudima Grand Chancellor Hotel, Christchurch Airport, corner of Memorial Avenue and Orchard Road

Timaru
Tuesday, 17 October 2006, 3 to 5 pm
Greyway Lounge, Timaru Racecourse, Washdyke, Racecourse Road

Dunedin
Wednesday, 18 October 2006, 1 to 3pm
Invermay, Cullen Conference Room, Mosgiel

Invercargill
Thursday, 19 October 2006, 12.30 to 2.30pm
Invercargill Workingmen’s Club Inc, 154 Esk Street

ENDS

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