The view from a Tolaga Bay resident's home, next to the Mangatokerau River on 11 January during Cyclone Hale. File photo Photo: Supplied/Linda Gough
Ground in parts of the North Island is already sodden from storm in the upper North Island late January and Cyclone Hale in Tairāwhiti and Wairarapa earlier in the month.
Farmers are being urged to make preparations for Cyclone Gabrielle, including checking culverts are cleared and stock are away from flood prone areas.
The Ministry for Primary Industries said it was closely monitoring the upcoming weather event and is liaising with agencies and emergency management teams.
MPI rural communities director Nick Story said information was going out to farmers, encouraging them to put plans in place to help mitigate the impacts of the storm.
One of the concerns was that ground in parts of the North Island was already sodden and unstable from the storm in the upper North Island in late January and Cyclone Hale which hit Tairāwhiti and Wairarapa earlier in the month, Story said.
Farmers could make sure they had sufficient food and water for both themselves and their stock, he said.
"Where possible clear any debris and silt traps, secure items down that can get blown around such as irrigators ... check your backup power supply is working and ensure you have enough fuel.
"A critical one also, [is to] reach out to your neighbours and your support network in your local area."
Rural Support Trust national chair Neil Bateup said trusts were already mobilised as a result of flood clean-up efforts from the previous severe weather events.
"We're talking with those communities that have been impacted in the past.... We're just trying to encourage farmers to make sure that they're prepared."
Bateup said while it was still a "wait and see" situation, the Trust would be working with Civil Defence, local councils, MPI, Beef and Lamb, Dairy NZ and Federated Farmers to support those worst hit by Cyclone Gabrielle.
Federated Farmers Auckland president Alan Cole said North Island farmers did not need more rain.
Cole said the forecast was concerning and had prompted the farming group to send an advisory to its members, urging them to put plans in place.
His farm had over 400mm of rain last month, the highest monthly tally he had ever had.
