Canterbury farmers have been warned to check their irrigation systems for possible lightning strike damage before turning them on.
An estimated 800 centre pivot irrigators were damaged or destroyed in last week's wind storm.
Industry body Irrigation New Zealand says even if storm damage is not obvious, farmers should check their systems before starting them up, as lightning strike has emerged as a secondary issue.
The organisation is hearing reports of irrigation control systems fried by lightning, especially along the Canterbury foothills.
A week on from the big wind, Irrigation New Zealand is acknowledging insurance companies and the Government for fast-tracking repairs.
It says replacement parts are on their way from Dubai, China and the United States and the Government is helping to clear the way for bringing in irrigation specialists to do the repairs.
The main rural insurer, FMG, has received more than 200 claims already for irrigator damage totalling $6.5 million.
In total it has received more than 1200 claims worth $11 million for damage to farm buildings, machinery and vehicles.
