Rural Change to merge with RST
The Rural Change programme, providing free private mental health professional sessions to the rural industry, is set to continue its next chapter within Rural Support Trust from 1 July 2024.
State farmer Pāmu is throwing its support behind three national charities this year.
Meat the Need gets $25,000, Rural Change (Will to Live) $12,500, and IHC Calf and Rural Scheme gets 41 calves valued up to $20,000.
Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie says as New Zealand’s largest farmer, the company is conscious of its responsibilities to people and communities.
“Our strategic pillars include being a leader in health, safety, and well-being, as well as supporting the communities in which we farm.
“These three organisations are doing great mahi across the country.
“While we have supported IHC for decades, we became involved with Meat the Need at its inception in 2019, and this year we’ve agreed to support Rural Change in recognition of the work they are doing on the rural well-being coalface, particularly post-Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We are proud to back these organisations who align well with our company values and are also innovating and leading positive change.”
Meat the Need is dedicated to New Zealand farmers feeding New Zealand families. The organisation works with farmers, processors, and established food banks and missions to get mincemeat to families who face food uncertainty. Founder Wayne Langford says that the $25,000 donation from Pāmu means 21,300 mince meals to fill tummies. Pāmu has also been running a competition amongst its staff nationwide, for their best mince recipes. These will be included in food boxes in selected regions.
Rural Change (Will to Live) is focused on getting farmers and rural people dedicated psychological help when they need it. Pāmu is one of their largest sponsors, with a $12,500 donation, meaning 125 farmers can get professional help.
“Rural Change fills a vital gap in rural well-being, and since the cyclones, demand has outstripped their ability to help,” says Leslie.
“Stress and burnout are real risks for our rural communities, and it takes courage to reach out for help. It is very important to Pāmu to be part of these conversations and support the organisations who are at the coalface of farmer mental wellbeing.”
The IHC Calf and Rural Scheme has supported people with intellectual disabilities living in rural areas for more than 40 years. Pāmu farms are donating 41 calves from dairying operations across the motu, with a potential value of up to $20,000 depending on their final weight.
Weaker pricing and demand from China continue to impact New Zealand red meat export earnings.
Fonterra has cemented its position as the country’s number one cheesemaker by picking up nine NZ Champion of Cheese trophies this year.
New Zealand dairy processors are welcoming the Government’s commitment to continuing to push for Canada to honour its trade commitments.
An educational programme, set up by Beef + Land New Zealand, to connect farmers virtually with primary and intermediate school students has reported the successful completion of its second year.
The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO) has welcomed a resolution adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly to declare 2026 International Year of the Woman Farmer.
Horticulture NZ chief executive Nadine Tunley will step down in August.
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