Press Release – New Zealand Government Agriculture Minister Damien OConnor has declared an adverse event for the Canterbury region, unlocking Government support for farmers and growers. Hon Damien O’Connor Minister of Agriculture Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has declared an adverse event for the Canterbury region, unlocking Government support for farmers and growers. “My decision to classify this as a medium-scale adverse event ensures funding of $500,000 for flood recovery measures,” Damien O’Connor said. “The funding will help speed up the recovery of farming businesses, and includes wellbeing support and specialist technical advice. “The money will be used for recovery grants, to enable the region’s three Rural Support Trusts to provide extra help to farmers, and for other flood assistance where needed.