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Michelle Ruddell
National Rural Support Trust chair Neil Bateup is stepping down next month, after seven years in the role.
He will be replaced by Michelle Ruddell, the chair of the Northland Rural Support Trust. Josh Dondertman, chair of the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust, will become deputy chair. Bateup has chaired the National Trust since its inception in 2017 and been instrumental in leading its growth and development.
Ruddell says it’s a privilege to be taking the reins from Neil.
“Neil has contributed an enormous amount of time, energy and passion to Rural Support both in his local Waikato Hauraki Coromandel Trust, which he helped set up in 2004 and at a national level.
“He advocated for the nationwide network of Trusts and then the set-up of the national entity to provide a national voice for Regional Trusts.
“He has so much enthusiasm for supporting farmers and I look forward to building on what he achieved and taking the National Trust forward.”
Ruddell is a dairy farmer near Whangarei where she runs a split calving operation with her husband Troy and three children. She has been involved in the Northland Rural Support Trust since 2021.
Dondertman runs a dairy farming business in Mid Canterbury with his wife and three young boys, and says he is proud to be appointed to this national role.
“There’s increasing awareness of the Rural Support Trusts and its services within rural communities and in particular the one-on-one support provided to farmers and growers experiencing tough times,” he says.
“We are the only organisation talking with farmers and growers face to face at the kitchen table, but we also have a wider role in helping others within our rural communities to strengthen connections and ensure other support networks are linked in. Our national role is providing a framework for regional Trusts to best serve their communities, keeping communication lines and information flowing.”
Bateup says while the time is right to step down as national chair he will remain as trustee on the national trust and continue as trustee and chair of the Waikato Hauraki Coromandel Trust.
“I’m pleased to be handing over to Michelle. It is great to see the skill set of our new trustees with Michelle and Josh able to lead Rural Support to a strong and sustainable future.
“I have been a passionate farmer all my life and having been through many ups and downs I recognise that it is important to have someone to look to for support in tough times. That is still the ethos of Rural Support and I look forward to seeing that continue.
“We have a great team of enthusiastic, empathetic and dedicated people across the country, and it has been and will continue to be a pleasure to work with them. That said, I’m looking forward to having more spare time for fishing.”
Ruddell says she is delighted the Trust is retaining Bateup’s experience and knowledge and grateful he will support her and Josh in their new roles.
“I am excited to be working alongside Josh and leading Rural Support as we look to the future and work out how to be fit for purpose for our primary industry communities and remain relevant, independent and sought out in our regions.”
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