When millions of tonnes of `sludge’ from the collapsing Ruahihi power scheme canal flooded through their land Dennis and Judith McFetridge wondered if they’d ever farm dairy cows there again

Today the farm bears little resemblance to that awful September 20 day in 1981. Now it is well fenced and grazing 180 two and three years old cows. Riparian areas on either side of Ivy Stream and steep sidlings have been planted in natives and are attracting bird life.