4 | RURAL PEOPLE » Anthea Yule Hawke’s Bay infrastructure simply failed A new ravine has emerged. Sue Russell The last time we spoke with Anthea nearly three years ago, the region was just coming out of a devastating drought and this time, the weather was very much still a subject for discussion. Anthea farms sheep and beef next to the Ngaruroro River, half an hour north-west of Hastings. “Hawkes Bay has taken a beating over the last 8 months. But so has Northland, Auckland, Coromandel, Gisborne, Tararua, Wairarapa and parts of the Manawatu,” says Anthea. Cyclone Gabrielle caught many off guard and people feel let down. “There is a strong sense among the residents of Hawke’s Bay that our infrastructure failed. The stock banks have not been maintained, the rivers have not been dredged and the drains and culverts that run along the roadsides have not been cleaned out for years. Spraying the drains once a year is not cleaning the drains.” The out-sourcing of what many see as the core functions of council has caused confusion among rate payers for years. People feel disenfranchised and Anthea thinks we have reached a tipping point. “We need more localised planning and delivery. Catchment groups could be a great vehicle to bring about this much needed change. “New Zealanders have stood by and watched local and central government give enormous power to their employees. Council staff, civil servants and contractors make decisions every day that affect our lives. And these decisions are not always made for the right reasons, or in the best interest of the community. These people are never around to pick up the pieces when things go wrong.” And the people of Hawkes Bay will pick up the pieces, like they have many times before. dairy Proud to support Anthea Yule Like to come shearing in the sunny Hawke’s Bay? We have jobs available frommid-May to end of September and mid-October through to March for seasonal sta . If you’d like to move here to live we have permanent positions available for the right people. All you need is a good work ethic and your gear. Accommodation available. Proud to sponsor Paranui. Phone Colin on 022 183 2200 or 06879 5553 The soils that grow the fruit, vegetables and finish livestock have been built up over the last millennia. The challenge for Hawkes Bay is going to be how the rivers are managed going forward. The rivers that separate the region. The rivers that have caused so much destruction. It may come as a surprise to many readers, but Hawke’s Bay was the third highest revenue gathering province in New Zealand last year. The country needs the region up and running as soon as possible. But the adrenaline has worn off and people are tired. Anthea thinks farmers were tired before Cyclone Gabrielle. “Morale was getting low amongst sheep and beef farmers by the end of January this year. We had all been facing cost inflation, interest rate rises, falling schedules, supply challenges and skill shortages. We had also been dealing with drowned out crops, weed problems and animal health issues brought on by the excessive amounts of rain last year. Wearing wet weather gear every day and pulling vehicles out of the bog was not much fun either.” It’s the relentless nature of the weather impacts that is most crushing now. Anthea says she knows of farmers who are on their second attempt at reinstating culverts, clearing tracks and fixing fences. Some have watched a lifetimes’ work wash away. For this reason, it was great to see so many farmers attend an event at the Hawkes Bay Show Grounds organised by the Rapid Relief Team, Anthea says. Fencing material was donated and most people went away with a ute or trailer load. The opportunity to connect with local support services was well received, and the free coffee and food was excellent. Farmers enjoyed their time talking to like minded people. The ability to share problems, discuss options, and work towards solutions is the aspect of Federated Farmers that Anthea enjoys the most. Anthea is on the Meat and Wool Council and is Vice President in Hawkes Bay. “We have had a lot thrown at us over the last five years. The need to push back for all farmers has been huge. I strongly urge anyone who is not a member to reconsider. The benefits to your own business are enormous, and now more than ever, farmers need to stick together.” GLENANTHONY 2024 - 50yrs of Breeding Simmental Cattle Enquiries to Tony Thompson 027 280 6148 Glenanthony Y-arta DAIRY FARMERS: Y-arta Semen Available: BEEF FARMERS: Gatton bulls next sale 6/6/24 • Easy calving, short gestation • Extra value 4 day old calves • Easy calving • Extra liveweight at weaning • Extra liveweight at finishing
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