Federated Farmers North Canterbury Farm Day cancelled

Federated Farmers of New Zealand in conjunction with Federated Farmers North Canterbury has decided to cancel its annual North Canterbury Farm Day due to the Christchurch Earthquake.

“It was decided that this kind of family focused event may just be too much of a bridge for Cantabrians to cross after they’ve been through so much and we don’t want to appear insensitive to their suffering,” says Don Nicolson, Federated Farmers president.

“It’s disappointing that we’ve had to cancel what is a key event on the Federated Farmers calendar, but we don’t feel its possible – or appropriate – to hold the event in the wake of the enormous tragedy that has hit the people of Christchurch.

“I want to thank David Shipley and his family who put their farm up to host Farm Day visitors. The earthquake has come and struck us so late in the piece that much of the organisation was already underway and I know they were looking forward to having their guests this coming weekend.

“I also want to thank the hard work done by the committee organising the event. Federated Farmers North Canterbury, their president Neil Stott and his team, our staff and volunteers have put in some long hours and it must be disappointing that their hard work now won’t come to fruition.

“Federated Farmers has been working hard on the relief effort with the ‘Farmy Army’, who, in conjunction with other groups, have been helping clean up Christchurch’s urban areas, bringing much needed assistance to the community.

“Our sincere thoughts are with the citizens of Christchurch and Canterbury and all New Zealanders who have lost someone in this tragedy. Federated Farmers will continue to work with local parties to help in the clean up wherever we are needed,” Mr Nicolson concluded.