Water rose rapidly at the orchard in Twyford, where RSE workers live and are employed. Photo: Supplied / John Evans
One of Hawkes Bay's biggest vegetable and fruit growers says he has grave concerns for the region's food producers if more significant financial help doesn't arrive quickly.
Apatu Farms has supplied some of the country's biggest food brands since the 1960s including Watties and McCains.
Paul Apatu runs the business with his brother Mark, employing more than two hundred people at this time of year, including 40 RSE workers from Tonga who arrived just a month ago.
60 per cent - or 1000 hectares - of crops on the Heretaunga Plains are either totally destroyed or severely damaged.
He speaks to Susie about the the government's initial grant of $40,000 and what more is needed.
