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Farmlands Store and Network Updates
We will keep you up to date here with any disruptions to our service to you.
Wellbeing support
When faced with a crisis, emergency, or disaster, it’s normal to feel stressed, anxious or distressed. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for help. There are many ways to access free and fast support for mental health and wellbeing.
Rural Support Trust Helpline - nationwide support for rural communities, call 0800 787 254
Bird Flu - What You Need to Know
On 15 July 2026, New Zealand confirmed its first case of the H5N1 strain of bird flu, found in a migratory bird. This is the same strain responsible for serious poultry losses overseas. Officials are asking the public to stay alert and report sick or dead birds while they continue monitoring for further detections.
We've known H5N1 was likely to reach New Zealand eventually. This is the moment our biosecurity system has been preparing for, and it's responding exactly as it should. There's no need to panic, but now's a good time to tighten up biosecurity at your place.
Regional updates
For the most up to date information about recovery, changes in weather and support in your region, please visit the Civil Defence website for your region.
Financial support
Financial assistance is available in several ways - from Civil Defence payments to government grants to tax relief.
Work & Income
Resource page for urgent accommodation, emergency food and bedding, loss of income support.
Civil Defence Payments
Assistance for cyclone-affected individuals. No benefit or NZ citizenship requirement. Call 0800 400 100.
Rural Assistance Payments
Can help farmers during or after an adverse event, e.g. a flood or drought.
IRD Emergency & Adverse Events
Tax relief support for emergencies and adverse events.
MPI Dealing with Adverse Events
Assistance for rural communities regarding natural disasters, floods, droughts, earthquakes, storms, and volcanic eruptions.
Business support
Information on how to support your business during and after an adverse event.
DairyNZ - Pasture renovation after flooding
Lessons from major flooding events (Cyclone Bola, Manawatu, Waimana) to guide pasture renovation.
Federated Farmers
Information and links about support regarding adverse event response and recovery.
Get Ready
What to do before, during, and after various emergencies, including flooding and earthquakes.
Animal welfare
Your livestock may also have been affected. It's important to support their welfare.
MPI: Animals during emergencies
Preparation methods to ensure animal welfare during disasters like earthquakes or floods.
Federated Farmers - stock burial and offal pits
Summary of regional planning requirements for stock burial and offal pits.
NAIT log-in
National Animal Identification and Tracing scheme - keep records for stock relocation during flooding to support biosecurity and disease management.
DairyNZ - Missed milkings
Guidance for managing significant events affecting milking operations.
Insurance support
Insurance and tax relief resources for the period following an adverse event.
FMG rural insurers
Information on FMG insurance claims and advice.
IRD Emergency & Adverse Events
Tax relief support for emergencies and adverse events.
MPI Dealing with Adverse Events
What help is available for rural communities and individuals - how to prepare and what to do in natural disasters and other adverse events.