Following a very long drought and then earthquakes, the Hurunui Drought Committee is boosting community morale with a Recharge Hurunui Event.
Hurunui Drought Committee member, Scargill farmer Andy Fox, insists that the Hurunui is the best place to live in the world.
“I wouldn't dream of living anywhere else,” says Andy, “but Mother Nature has thrown us a few curveballs over the last few years.
“Our community has endured a drought that seemed like it would never end and then of course the earthquakes were a further blow to locals whose spirits were already flagging. But now there’s a growing sense of positivity in the farming community and beyond.”
Andy says that from a farming point of view, the winter has been very kind. The mild weather and better rainfall have allowed for good growth, stock are doing well, and prices are up.
“Hopefully this improvement is starting to filter through to our local business community, who have been hit with the domino effect as farmers struggled with the effects of the drought.”
To shrug off the tough times and to celebrate the arrival of what will hopefully be a great Spring, the Hurunui Drought Committee is throwing open the doors of the Foxdown shed for a gathering hosted by Gary McCormack on September 8.
“We’ve had a few fantastic events here over the last couple of years,” says Andy. “With the support and encouragement of the Hurunui Drought Committee this time we are extending the invitation for a bite to eat, a drink and a laugh beyond farmers to the wider community who have all faced various challenges over the last few years.”
Tickets for the event on September 8 at 7.30pm are selling fast at only $10 each. Free buses are being put on from Cheviot, Amberley, Hawarden, Culverden and Waiau. The ticket price includes supper, drinks and entertainment including a chat from Gary McCormick.
“He’s the perfect bloke for this kind of thing,” says Andy. “Gary’s irreverent humour about life and bureaucracy really resonates!”
The event is sponsored by the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust, Beef & Lamb and MPI. Tickets are on sale at NC Vets, Farmlands, 4 Square Hawarden, and Waiau hardware.
More information is on the Hurunui Community Drought Support Facebook page.