Farms battered by snow storm 

Source: Reuters

Many farmers have been badly affected by the snow storm hammering the central North Island, some losing newborn lambs to the elements.

Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay president Kevin Mitchell says the "brutally cold" southerly flow couldn't have come at a worse time for Hawke's Bay farmers.

There's a massive risk that the combination of snow and cold winds could put stress on newborn livestock, he says.

"Several Hawke's Bay farmers are in the middle of late lambing and sadly, some newborns may perish in the freezing conditions."

He says farmers he has spoken to worked through Sunday night to save as many lambs as possible.

The central North Island high country and hills and ranges of Hawke's Bay have been hit particularly hard by the unexpected icy blast.

Properties over 300 metres above sea level awoke on Monday to a blanket of white ranging from 20cm to a metre deep.

Mitchell says it's the worst blast of cold weather he has experienced for many years and the area is still littered with fallen trees that have collapsed under the weight of the snow.

Roads remain impassable and power has been cut to large sections of the region.

While most farmers have a generator, those who don't will struggle to fend off the cold and may need to seek help, says Mitchell.

He says a couple that farms the highest dairy operation in New Zealand have been without power for two days and have not milked their herd since early Sunday morning.

"Federated Farmers provincial presidents are a point of contact for farmers struggling in the conditions. We can help get supplies to a farm, provide updated information on the weather conditions and make sure farmers are looking out for each other."

As well as visiting farms to offer support and assistance, Federated Farmers is helping to clear fences and driveways of fallen trees.

They may also be able to provide feed to keep as much condition on stock as possible, says Mitchell.

He's urging Hawke's Bay farmers to remain vigilant, as MetService predicts more snow will drop on Monday night.

It is expected to fall mainly on central North Island areas including the Hawke's Bay ranges from Lake Waikaremoana to the Mahia Peninsula.