1.0 Introduction and Background
This study was commissioned by MAF Policy with the intent of developing some possible scenarios that could face farmers and growers, and the steps that could be taken to bring the land back into production. The study would also outline factors that would need to be considered by Government (and Government agencies) in any post-event rehabilitation programme.
In October 1995 and June 1996, Mount Ruapehu erupted, spreading 40 million m3 of ash on the first occasion and 10 million m3 on the second occasion. These minor eruptions resulted in ash deposits of up to 10 mm closer to the mountain and 1-3 mm in further reaches. The effects from this "small hiccup" of Mt Ruapehu, raised the awareness of the potential impact of volcanic eruptions on New Zealand Agriculture, and the consequential effects on the New Zealand economy.
New Zealand was shaped by the collision of two parts of the earth's crust which creates friction and heat sometimes vented through volcanoes.
About ten volcanic centres in New Zealand have potential for activity with widespread damage to life and property.
A major event would have significant impacts upon agriculture and forestry. There is currently little readily available information as to the situation that could be faced by producers and the processes and programmes they may need to manage in order to rehabilitate their land, or over what time period. Given that Government, via MAF, could be involved in either responding to an event (given that it is beyond the resources of the local community to cope or at a minimum in advising/assisting in post-event rehabilitation of the on-farm sector), this project has been developed:
To develop possible scenarios that could face farmers and growers following a volcanic eruption, and the steps that could be taken to bring land back into production.
To discuss a possible institutional framework for handling such a post event recovery.
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