El Nino was set to blight the latter third of 2015 with a severe drought setting in by September, predictions of a delayed or even restrained wet season with consequent economic damage expected to exceed that from Cyclone Pam. A VARTC management meeting on 25 September focussed on the lack of pasture growth and potential damage to the beef cattle operation – a major source of revenue to this unique farm. There’s no irrigation system here yet artesian water is pumped up the hill into storage tanks. I left the meeting keen to source a K-Line irrigation system in New Zealand, find funding for it, air freight and present it as “Aid From NZ”. 50+ e-mails, countless requests circling like buzzards but never landing, then bingo, got hold of the right chap, Tony Atwool, at RX Plastics, Ashburton, who confirmed that RX Plastics would donate agreed to donate a scheme. SB Logistics provided a very competitive quote for the air freight, for which a funding request e-mail went out to great friends who each coughed up $100. There was still a shortfall, plus the cost of a customs agency in Luganville – this lot was funded by VSA.

Finally, after countless delays, on 11 March, I was able to present the scheme to VARTC’s Alistair, Acting CEO (right), Frank, Head of Maintenance and Jules, Chief Mechanic (next to me) as shown in the photo to the right. Alistair gave a speech of thanks from VARTC to me and all those that contributed. I note here my huge appreciation to RX Plastics, to Andy Templeton’s early efforts, to the friends that chipped in and to NZ’s fantastic Volunteer Service Abroad for its practical and financial support. It was great to have David Nalo and Clemmie Newton from VSA in attendance at the presentation.