Rural Communities Receive Wellbeing Boost
The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.
A 20-year old farmer’s tweet about her declining mental health has sparked a massive response online.
Shephard and relief milker Ffion Hooson has been running her family farm in Denbighshire, North Wales since mid-2018, when her father suffered a major stroke.
Hooson says her father spent four months in hospital before being discharged and continues to be in recovery.
The heartbreak of her father’s health combined with bad weather and the responsibilities of running a farm proved too much earlier this month when the young farmer took to Twitter to express her pain.
“I’m 20 years old and farming alone and I am constantly putting a brave hard face on... yet deep down I’m pretty much breaking inside... it’s the most I’ve struggled and no one really understands but I have no choice but to carry on,” Hooson posted on Twitter.
I’m 20 years old and farming alone and I am constantly putting a brave hard face on... yet deep down I’m pretty much breaking inside... it’s the most I’ve struggled and no one really understands but I have no choice but to carry on?? pic.twitter.com/n8keHhWci5
— Ffion Hooson (@ffionhooson0) February 7, 2020
The tweet sparked an outpouring of support and other farmers sharing their experiences, with over 2,700 replies and 2,000 retweets.
A week on, things appeared to be looking up for Hooson, who shared that she was now being given support on-farm.
Well it’s a week on from the tweet that went viral and the main man is back home, doing what he does best #farming and spending the day helping me, move sheep and clean the sheds out!! What a man! #BobFronFelen @ElenGwen @nwilliamsff ❤️? pic.twitter.com/g7OVuEvvuy
— Ffion Hooson (@ffionhooson0) February 14, 2020
Penske Australia & New Zealand has appointed Stephen Kelly as the general manager of its Penske NZ operations, effective immediately In this role he will oversee all NZ branch operations, including energy solutions, mining, commercial vehicles, defence, marine, and rail, while continuing to be based at Penske’s Christchurch branch.
According to the latest Federated Farmers-Rabobank Farm Remuneration Report, released today, farm worker pay growth has levelled off after a post-Covid period of rapid growth.
The Climate Change Commission has recommended maintaining the current New Zealand Emissions Trading System (NZ ETS) settings but warns of a potential unit shortfall as early as 2028.
The Conservative Party warns that the upcoming free trade agreement between New Zealand and India may prioritise increased labour mobility while offering limited reassurance for New Zealand workers.
Southland District Council says it is actively managing the impacts of the current fuel supply challenges to ensure essential services across the district continue to operate safely and reliably.
A large crowd turned out for the last of the field days of the three finalists in this years Ahuwhenua Trophy to determine the top Maori horticulture entity in Aotearoa New Zealand

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