Farmers Community Connect brings practical support to Tararua farmers
Storm-affected farmers across the Tararua District are continuing the long job of repairing and rebuilding after severe weather. To offer a practical boost and a sense of community, the Rapid Relief Team (RRT) held a Farmers Community Connect event in Eketāhuna on Friday 5 December 2025, bringing together support, fencing materials, and a warm meal for local farming families.
On the day, 86 storm-affected farmers received fencing packages designed to help get vital boundary and paddock infrastructure back up and running. In total, the event saw:
- 6,880 fence posts,
- 8,600 battens, and
- 172 coils of wire
head back onto local farms to directly support storm recovery efforts. These materials represent more than just fencing – they are a tangible step forward for farmers who have faced months of disruption, financial pressure, and uncertainty.
Farmers and their families were also able to take a break from the demands of recovery and enjoy time together. RRT volunteers served:
- 250 burgers,
- 240 Krispy Kreme donuts, and
- 200 coffees
The food marquee quickly became a hub for conversation, with farmers catching up with neighbours, sharing their experiences, and connecting with local support services who understand rural life. Beyond the practical help, the event aimed to create a space where farmers felt seen, supported, and appreciated for the vital role they play in their communities.
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Farmers Community Connect events are one way RRT is supporting rural communities facing hardship. By combining practical assistance with connection and care, these events help ease some of the pressure on farming families and remind them they are not facing these challenges alone.
RRT is grateful to every farmer who attended on 5 December, to the volunteers who gave their time, and to the suppliers and partners who helped make the Eketāhuna event possible. Together, we were able to turn fencing materials, burgers, donuts, and coffees into something bigger – a day where farmers felt backed by their community.
