NZ farmers offering free accommodation to fellow Australian farmers 'humbled' by 'Kiwi spirit'

NZ Farmers Offer Free Accommodation To Aussie Farmers From Bush Fire Zones has quickly gained popularity.
NZ Farmers Offer Free Accommodation To Aussie Farmers From Bush Fire Zones has quickly gained popularity. Photo credit: Supplied.

A group of New Zealand farmers offering free accommodation to fellow Australian cultivators caught in the New South Wales bushfires (NSW) have been flooded with offers across the country. 

The Facebook page named NZ Farmers Offer Free Accommodation To Aussie Farmers From Bush Fire Zones has quickly gained popularity.

Organiser of the Facebook page, Nathan Addis, told Newshub they have been inundated with offers from Kiwis across the country, as far south as Invercargill up into Northland.

"Thirty-six hours we've been absolutely swamped.

"People are offering properties from one room, right up to a gentleman who offered us his entire lodge which sleeps up to 18 people," said Addis. 

But despite the popularity, Addis said, "we have a lot to sort through in the way of what everyone is prepared to offer."

He said the challenge is with travel and funding. 

"It's about working the internal logistics out, rental car companies and domestic air travel so that we can get some people into more provincial places where they can get the support they need from a very kiwi strong community."

Despite obstacles, Addis said the country's reaction has been humbling. 

"At this time of the year, I thought it would take a long time to grow legs but I've certainly been proven wrong. Shows we've got a good Kiwi spirit."

He also hopes a GiveALittle page will be up and operational on Saturday for generous Kiwis willing to donate.

Although the page is currently a way for farmers to provide other producers with free accommodation, page organisers are "seriously considering" allowing non-rural people who also wish to provide accommodation for Australian bushfires to donate or offer accomodation.