Victoria Cross holder Willie Apiata visited six communities in Taranaki, Manawatu, Wairarapa and Hawkes Bay, speaking a message of solidarity to farmers, says trip organiser Westpac.
Apiata is a Westpac NZ ambassador.
Westpac Taranaki agribusiness area manager Rhys Fulton says the idea came in talking to the local branch of Rural Support Trust.
“It’s been a long wet year for farmers... a hard time calving and a hard time getting through spring.
“We thought it would be great for the farmers to hear from Willie, who’s experienced his share of adverse conditions and might know a thing or two about resilience.”
Apiata spoke to farmers about the importance of family and communication in maintaining a healthy life balance.
He recalled the comradeship and brotherhood he experienced during his 23-year military career and encouraged locals to support each other through challenging times.
Fulton says Apiata’s the perfect guy for the task.
“The farmers out on the land have a lot of affinity with a guy like him who’s had a hands-on career.”
And the informal sessions have a secondary benefit in allowing farmers to get together and chat about challenges they’ve faced during the wet winter. “It’s about getting together and having a chat over a cup of tea.”
