Farmers affected by catastrophic flooding in South Wairarapa are being invited to attend a free Farmers Community Connect (FCC) event in Martinborough next month, bringing together practical recovery assistance, support services and the rural community.
Hosted by the Rapid Relief Team NZ (RRT), the event will provide flood-affected farmers with free fencing packs containing posts, battens and wire to assist with repair and recovery efforts following the severe weather experienced across the region, valued at $1,500 each.
Farmers will also have the opportunity to connect with a range of local support organisations, in particular Rural Support Trust, along with health services, rural financial counselling providers and veterinary suppliers.
RRT New Zealand General Manager Paul Simmons said the event is designed to provide both practical assistance and an opportunity for farmers to connect with others facing similar challenges.
“Recovery from a weather event of this scale doesn’t happen overnight. Many farming families are under real emotional and financial pressure as they cope with damaged infrastructure and the ongoing clean-up effort,” Mr Simmons said.
“Farmers Community Connect is about providing practical support while creating an opportunity for people to come together, access services and have conversations that can make a real difference during the recovery process.”
In addition to collecting recovery supplies, attendees can enjoy a complimentary barbecue lunch and barista coffee while catching up with fellow farmers and support providers.
RRT is expecting to donate around 100 fencing packs and provide 250 free lunches to the local community on the day.
This will be RRT’s ninth FCC event, bringing the total level of support for flood, drought, and storm affected farmers to over 1,600 since 2023.
To be eligible to receive free fencing supplies, farmers must register before on Friday, 7 August 2026. For registration information, visit: www.bit.ly/martinboroughFCC.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, 13 August 2026
Time: 11:00 to 13:00
Location: Martinborough Transport, 204 Lake Ferry Road, Martinborough
About Rapid Relief Team NZ:
Established in 2013, the Rapid Relief Team is a charitable arm of the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church which provides practical support, community assistance and disaster relief across New Zealand and around the world. For more information on RRT, please visit www.rrtglobal.org.
Since 2023, RRT has supported more than 1,640 New Zealand farmers affected by severe weather events through its Farmers Community Connect programme – further information available here: https://rrtglobal.org/nz/operations-appeals/farmers-community-connect-events/