PERSONAL FACTORS
The average age of the interview survey farmers (N = 34) was 43, ranging from 31 to 56 over the five geographical farm type areas. Seventy four percent of farmers employed staff, the mean number varying from one on Banks Peninsula to two on the plains. Eighty two percent of the interview farmers received help during the snows (high country 100%, hill country 91%, Banks Peninsula 100%, downs 80% and plains 43%) the majority from organised volunteers and private sources. The number of person days averaged 34 (high country 50, Hill country 41, Banks Peninsula 5, downs 19 and the plains 7). Farmers were more concerned for their livestock than possible adverse financial implications (Table 22), with only two of 33 farmers having concerns about finance. Almost two-thirds (61%) rated their concern for livestock as severe and indicates the stress many farmers had to undergo as they watched livestock die unable in many cases to render the assistance or remedy they would like. Other concerns affecting farmers at the time included the future of farming, forestry, effect on farm development plans and the effect on health.
Table 22: Concern for Livestock and Financial Implications. of the Snows
| Effect of snows | Concern for | Financial |
| livestock | implications | |
| (%) | (%) | |
| Severe | 60.6 | 33.3 |
| Moderate | 33.3 | 27.2 |
| Some | 6.1 | 33.3 |
| None | 0 | 6.2 |
Farmers coped with stress in different ways but found that taking over the problem with others, especially neighbours, helped overcome their concerns (Table 23). Physically working with other farmers during the stock recovery phase also helped, as did the importance of making a start on stock recovery. Some farmers, daunted by the enormity of the problem, waited too long before taking action. The need for immediate action and to keep going was strongly emphasised to overcome the feeling of inability to cope.
Table 23: Methods used by farmers to cope with stress (N=32)
| Coping with stress | Response |
| (%) | |
| Talking with neighbours | 41 |
| Taking immediate action/making a start | 22 |
| An evening alcholic drink | 16 |
| Working in with other farmers (mutual support) | 9 |
| Realisation that others were worse off | 6 |
| Family support | 3 |
| Mentally accepting the short term nature of the snow | 3 |
Support services
One-third of interview farmers (N=34) used support services offered by either Red Cross, volunteer groups eg Womens Division of Federated Farmers, Church group, Lions or the use of holiday accommodation offered by private individuals. Ninety percent of farmers found these useful, with over half frnding them extremely useful. In all cases farmers expressed grateful appreciation. Comment was made by some recipients of Red Cross food that they did not feel as their cases warranted assistance and suggested that distribution could have been co-ordinated with Federated Farmers, along the lines of the hay distribution system.
Contact for Enquiries
North Island
Phil Journeaux
Manager
North Island Regions
Sector Performance Policy
MAF Policy
Private Bag 3123
Hamilton
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 7 957 8314
Fax: +64 7 957 8315
South Island
John Greer
Regional Team Leader
Natural Resources Group
MAF Policy
PO Box 20 280
Christchurch
NEW ZEALAND
Phone: +64 3 943 1703
Fax: +64 3 943 1757
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