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Media Release |
7 April 2005
Deadlines Loom for Lower North Island Agricultural Recovery Programme
Eligible farmers and foresters in the lower-North Island adversely affected
by the February 2004 floods and August 2004 storm now have longer to submit
original receipted invoices and/or proof of payment documentation for partial
reimbursement under the Agricultural Recovery Programme.
The deadline for submitting documentation relating to agriculture is now 30
September 2005. It was previously 1 May 2005. Cabinet this week approved the
extension, recognising that poor weather for much of the summer has delayed
repair work on tracks, dams and bridges in particular.
However, the deadline for initial applications (Stage One - eligibility) has not
changed and is 1 May 2005.
The deadline for submitting original receipted invoices and/or proof of payment
for forestry work is now 30 September 2006. This takes into account the later
announcement of the forestry part of the Programme, and the relatively wet
summer. Stage One applications for forestry assistance closed last November.
The Agricultural Recovery Programme, which is administered by the Ministry of
Agriculture and Forestry, was set up by the government to provide financial
assistance to help re-establish crops lost in February 2004, and repair and
reinstate uninsurable essential farm infrastructure.
The Agricultural Recovery Programme’s Manager, Cheryl Craig, says, with only
about three weeks until the Sunday 1 May 2005 deadline for Stage One eligibility
applications, it’s extremely important any farmers or growers who haven’t yet
applied or sought advice about doing so act immediately. Potential applicants
need to allow time to make the required statutory declaration.
Application forms and advice are available by calling the Programme’s office on
06 351 7921 weekdays.
Ms Craig recommends that those who have had an application approved, but who
have not yet submitted original receipted invoices and/or proof of payment for
work done and paid for, should do so as soon as possible.
“Even if they have some receipts and/or proof of payment, on hand, but still
have work to do, it’s a good idea to drip feed us the documents,” she says.
“That way we can make appropriate partial payments, and get money to eligible
applicants as soon as possible.”
To date the Programme has paid out over $12 million to over 234 enterprises and
processed over 600 applications.
For further information, please contact:
Cheryl Craig, Programme Manager, Agricultural Recovery Programme
Phone 04 474 4149
Mobile: 027 2444 000
