Ex-All Black Sam Whitelock Swaps Rugby for Dairy Farming
Returning to the family dairy farm after playing 20 years of professional rugby around the world is no easy task.
A newly launched collaborative rural wellbeing recovery project aims to help rural communities across the North Island to come together through a series of in-person events and programmes this summer.
“This is a challenging time for our farmers, growers and other rural people. Making time to pause to check-in on each other and focus on our personal and family wellbeing is key,” says Lisa Sims of the Agri-Women’s Development Trust. “That’s why several rural organisations have come together to deliver ‘Checking-in’ – a series of community events and online tools and tips for connection and resilience in a tough season.”
Headlining the project is a series of community get-togethers, events and personal development programmes across the North Island. These include AWDT’s YOU Matter programmes, Rural Women NZ supporting community Christmas events, Farmstrong Comedy events and more.
Rural people across New Zealand are also invited to subscribe to the ‘Checking-in’ tools and tips email series.
Delivered weekly, the 15-part series of short videos is about making the hard stuff manageable – like supporting young people through challenging times, managing emotions and enjoying the good times.
‘Checking-in’ is run by the Agri- Women’s Development Trust, Rural Women New Zealand and Farmstrong, with support from the Rural Support Trust. The project is funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries as part of the NIWE (North Island Weather Event) response.
www.checking-in.co.nz.
Farmers have until the end of this week to help shape DairyNZ’s future focus.
Wayne McNee, chief executive of AgriZeroNZ, has resigned and will leave the organisation on 15 January 2027.
The New Zealand dairy sector set a record in the 2025/26 season, producing more than two billion kilograms of milksolids for the first time.
Milk powder prices are continuing their merry run, firming up a potential $10/kgMS farmgate price this season.
Teachers are welcoming the outgoing Government’s U-turn allowing agriculture and horticultural science to remain a standalone Year 11 subject.
Outgoing ACT MP and dairy farmer Mark Cameron says Saturday’s election result reflects voters deeply impacted by the cost of living.