Adverse events

How to prepare and what to do in natural disasters and other adverse events such as floods, droughts, earthquakes, storms, and volcanic eruptions. Find out what help is available for rural communities and individuals.

UPDATE – 19 July 2021

West Coast and Marlborough floods 2021

Flooding in the West Coast and Marlborough regions in July 2021 has been classified as a medium-scale adverse event.

The Government's decision unlocks $200,000 to support flood-affected farmers and growers.

The funding will be used to help farmers recover and includes wellbeing support and specialist technical advice and other flood assistance.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) will be working with industry groups, such as DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Federated Farmers and NZ Winegrowers, to determine how the financial support can have the greatest impact.

West Coast and Marlborough flooding classified as a medium-scale adverse event – Beehive.govt.nz

2021 West Coast, Marlborough and Tasman floods – Fact sheet [PDF, 1.5 MB] 

Canterbury Flood Recovery Fund

Applications are open for a $4 million fund to help flood-affected farmers and growers in Canterbury.

Widespread flooding triggered by a one in 200-year flood rainfall event in late May 2021 caused significant damage.

The financial support will help flood-affected farmers and growers get back on their feet as quickly as possible.

MPI has been working with Federated Farmers, DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Deer Industry New Zealand, and councils, to determine how this funding can have the greatest impact.

Grants will assist farmers to clear flood debris from their paddocks, such as shingle, boulders, trees, and silt. MPI will contribute up to half of the clean-up cost for uninsurable works.

Applications can be made retrospectively for clean-up work already undertaken. The size and distribution of grants will be determined once all the applications have been received.

Owners of properties where the principal income (more than 51%) is from the primary industry business, are eligible to apply. (Grant funding is not available for lifestyle farming).

Applications will be assessed by an independent panel, made up of people that sector groups have helped to select.

The panel's members will confirm that grants meet the eligibility criteria and that the allocation process is fair, consistent, and transparent. The panel will have some discretion to take into account exceptional circumstances.

If funds remain after applications for debris removal are assessed, then the repair of farm infrastructure – such as fences, culverts and tracks – may be considered for a second funding round.

Applications for the fund close on 30 July 2021. An application form, checklist, the criteria, and a fact sheet are available to download.

Application form – Canterbury Flood Recovery Fund [DOCX, 103 KB]

Application checklist – Canterbury Flood Recovery Fund [PDF, 93 KB]

Criteria and principles for the Canterbury Flood Recovery Fund [PDF, 107 KB]

Canterbury Flood Recovery Fund – fact sheet [PDF, 1.8 MB]

Applications open for $4 million Canterbury Flood Recovery Fund – MPI media release

People who require assistance to complete their application, or who would like advice on the fund's criteria, can contact MPI:

2021 Canterbury Floods – Rural fact sheet [PDF, 3.1 MB]

Feed support services

Support is available if you need help sourcing supplementary feed or grazing for your livestock.

The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) is funding DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Federated Farmers, and other specialist providers to offer feed planning and coordination services.

Find out how to access feed support services

Types of adverse events

Adverse events can be:

MPI classifies adverse events on a scale

MPI has 3 classifications for adverse events:

  • localised 
  • medium scale
  • large scale.

This classification helps the Government decide what recovery help can be made available.

Read about how MPI classifies adverse events

Think ahead and be prepared

Planning and preparedness can help people get through events and recover more quickly.  It's up to you and your community to be as ready as you can be.

How to prepare for an adverse event

Rural Support Trusts are here to help

Your local Rural Support Trust is a great source of information and support before, during, and after adverse events.

Find out more about getting help

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