Cyclone Gabrielle Affects the Agricultural Industry in New Zealand During February 2023

One of the most destructive cyclones in New Zealand's history left a path of devastation that has left the agriculture sector, among others, in ruins. The cyclone hit the North Island the hardest, particularly Auckland, The Coromandel, and Hawkes bay affected the worst. The main crops affected were onions, pumpkins, watermelon, apples, stone fruit, maize crops, etc. Officials are still determining the extent of the damage in monetary terms. The industry has recently emerged from many challenges due to various domestic and international factors. Many farmers used the time to upgrade infrastructure and technology in preparation for better times, of which most were destroyed in the storm. Many orchards were covered with topsoil and could not recover. The impact of this storm will come clear within the next couple of weeks.