A summer to remember

• Published date: 15 March 2023

Races at the Westport Trotting Club, the Friends of the Hill event at Denniston, the blessing of the new Salvation Army facilities in Greymouth, checking out the camping spots at the Fox River and more. It's all provided an opportunity to hear how life is going for you and our communities on the Coast In contrast to the North Island, we've had a dry summer which puts a squeeze on farm production but gives the tourists memorable experiences

The pandemic was extremely tough for our tourism industry, particular down near the glaciers. During this time the Government worked to support communities through Jobs for Nature and the wage subsidy and it's fantastic to now see the flow of international visitors surging back.

That's the sort of flood we welcome.

As Agriculture Minister, I've visited Northland, the East Coast, Auckland, and Hawke's Bay to see the impact of Cyclone Gabrielle on farmers, growers, and their communities. Cyclone Gabrielle has devastated livelihoods, infrastructure, and tragically taken lives. All our hearts go out to those who've lost loved ones.

The Government has immediately kicked into gear and we have stood up $55 million in grants for farmers and growers to help them get back on their feet. They drive our rural economies and underpin New Zealand's economic security, so the Government wants to support them as quickly as we can.

Climate change means that these events are going to become more frequent. It was said Auckland was a one in 200...