Govt Commits $4m to Rural Wellbeing Initiatives

Received with open arms was Todd McClay, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Forestry, who chose the Feilding event to announce the Government’s support of 18 rural, community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund, with $4m over the next four years.

"We established the fund mid-last year to boost wellbeing programmes that support the rural sector,” McClay says.

“These initiatives will ensure farmers and growers have the support they need to thrive.”

Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the Government is committed to delivering faster access to mental health support, including for the one in five people who live in rural communities.

“We’ve focused on supporting proposals that can have the greatest impact on the ground, as well as new initiatives targeting gaps.

“Partnering with grassroots organisations enables the Government funding to go further and make a real difference.”

Speaking to a large audience, McClay recognised a debt of gratitude to the primary sector, which generated around $80b in revenue and kept the country fed in difficult times and unplanned weather events. At the same time, he confirmed the Government’s ongoing commitments to simplifying rules and regulations, allowing farmers and growers to do what they do best, rather than being burdened by often repetitive surveys and paperwork.

Federated Farmers President, Wayne Langford, thanked the Minister for recognising the pressures faced by the rural sector, often on an individual basis, as many people worked long days, often alone.

“The Wellbeing Fund is much appreciated, but I hope this is only the first tranche.”

Kate Denholm, chair of New Zealand Young Farmers and manager of a 700-cow Holsten herd on a Manawatu farm, repeated the sentiment and went on to explain how the association’s 60 clubs throughout the country enabled better wellbeing through social connection, which encompassed sporting activities, training days and rural community actions like stacking tyres on silage clamps to supplement club funds.

Craig “Wiggy” Wiggins, chief mate of the Lean on the Gate charitable trust, explained how talking to a friend or trusted rural professional could help those at risk understand that they needed some help on their mental health and wellbeing journeys.

Wiggins said, sadly, there is still a very real issue with rural suicides.

“The likes of trusted rural advisors such as stock agents, who regularly work with farmers and are trusted to steer high value transactions, can make a huge difference.

“We have a plan to help train these individuals to recognise rural folk in distress, meaning that help can be offered inside or over the farm gate, rather than watching an ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. The grants will make a huge difference.”