30 Jun 2023

No handouts for farmers affected by cyclones

From Morning Report, 6:12 am on 30 June 2023
Huge hillside crack at OngaOnga in Hawke's Bay

Photo: Matt Holden

A long-awaited support package for weather-affected farmers and growers has defeated hopes of cash-in-hand payouts.

The Government yesterday announced it would help banks provide loans to businesses hit by Cyclone Gabrielle by carrying 80% of the credit risk.

And if banks don't approve loans, the Government will lend business owners cash itself - deferring interest for ten years.

Hawke's Bay Federated Farmers president Jim Galloway spoke to Corin Dann this morning.