Ex-Cyclone Donna is bringing heavy rain. Keep an eye on the forecast and, if you are prone to flooding, enact your plans.  Whakatane, Rangitaiki, and Tarawera Rivers have reached level 1 and farmers are encouraged to move stock to higher ground.

MPI is working with local stakeholders to monitor the impacts of Ex-Cyclone Donna as the storm hits New Zealand. Farmers and smallholding owners are encouraged to follow their procedures in case of possible flooding on aready saturated ground.

• You can follow information on the civil defence website http://www.civildefence.govt.nz/ and on the local radio station.  
• Weather updates are on  http://www.metservice.com/warnings/severe-weather-warnings
• Call Federated Farmers' helpline on 0800 327 646 option 4 for on-farm help
• Contact your Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254 with information or requests for help.

If a flood is likely:

The safety of you, your family, and workers comes first. If your property is at risk from flooding, enact your plans:

• Moving stock and feed to higher ground
• Making sure your stock has shelter and water, and can't wander
• Safely storing or tying down anything that might blow away.
• Your battery-powered radio at the ready and listening for updates
• Your smartphone charged up
• Checking power and phones. Reporting outages. Treating all lines as live.
• Checking dogs, poultry and pets.
• Checking on neighbours - do they need help or can they help you?
• Using generators if necessary to keep pumps, refrigeration, electric fences and household appliances running. Flood pumps may need attention.

General information on managing through flooding is here: http://www.getthru.govt.nz/disasters/flood