increase font size
Jack Keeys.
A Paeroa man is training to run the Auckland Marathon in gumboots.
Jack Keeys is running 26km from Paeroa to Thames to prepare for the marathon on November 1.
With his “gumboot marathon” Jack aims to raise funds and awareness for two causes; New Zealand’s Rural Support Trust network and Melanoma New Zealand.
Last year at the age of 24, Jack was diagnosed with melanoma — the same disease that took his father Kevin when Jack was just 12 years old.
Jack got a dodgy spot-checked and caught early. Two surgeries later he’s cancer-free.
Jack balances his work as an Agri-food Research and Insights analyst at KPMG with helping his mum back on her dairy farm after she recently lost her partner.
“Working in the Agri-Food industry, I'm acutely aware of the challenges faced by rural communities, and farmers facing ongoing challenges with weather & climate, debt & financing, and regulation & perception.
“I decided to run the Auckland Marathon in gumboots to raise awareness and funds for these two awesome organisations.’
Rural Support Trust National Council Chair Neil Bateup says Jack’s enthusiasm has brought more people along with him to run in gumboots.
“It’s really cool when these young guys get in and do something for our trusts, as it helps get the word out that we have Rural Support Trusts around the country here to help look after all our rural people.
“Sometimes it’s harder for younger guys to pick up the phone and ask for help, and we want them to know that we are just a phone call or email away.”
Chief executive of Melanoma New Zealand, Andrea Newland says they are grateful for Jack’s support.
“What great Kiwi spirit to run a marathon in gumboots - it’s truly epic!
“And by sharing his story, Jack is helping raise awareness that melanoma is reasonably common in your mid-20s and 30s, so it’s vital to be vigilant when outside, cover up, wear sunscreen, and make sure you get regular skin checks, as it could save your life.”
Rural Support Waikato is inviting farmers, growers, and rural communities to take a well-earned break and join us for 'Brunch on Us' - a series of all-sector, relaxed drop-in events across the region.
The strain and pressure of weeks of repairing their flood-damaged properties is starting to tell on farmers and orchardists in the Tasman district.
OPINION: The Rural Support Trust ran a dinner and debate at the National Fieldays last month. In tables of 10, over 540 people were wined and dined, including the Prime Minister, supported by ministers from around the country.
People affected by the recent two severe flood events in the Tasman district are weary and exhausted trying to deal with the devastation on their farms and orchards, according to the head of the Rural Support Trust (RST) in the region.
"The worst of the worst" is how Richard Kempthorne, the chair of the Nelson Tasman Rural Support Trust, describes the cumulative effects of the two storms that have wreaked havoc across the top of the South Island.
Kiwis are wasting less of their food than they were two years ago, and this has been enough to push New Zealand’s total household food waste bill lower, the 2025 Rabobank KiwiHarvest Food Waste survey has found.
OPINION: Sir Lockwood Smith has clearly and succinctly defined what academic freedom is all about, the boundaries around it and the responsibility that goes with this privilege.
DairyNZ says its plantain programme continues to deliver promising results, with new data confirming that modest levels of plantain in pastures reduce nitrogen leaching, offering farmers a practical, science-backed tool to meet environmental goals.
'Common sense' cuts to government red tape will make it easier for New Zealand to deliver safe food to more markets.
Balclutha farmer Renae Martin remembers the moment she fell in love with cows.
Academic freedom is a privilege and it's put at risk when people abuse it.
