M.I.A.
OPINION: The previous government spent too much during the Covid-19 pandemic, despite warnings from officials, according to a briefing released by the Treasury.
According to the recently released Te Hiringa Mahara Mental Health and Wellbeing Commission report, the impact of Covid-19 has added additional stress to the wellbeing of rural communities in New Zealand.
Around 16% of the country's population live in rural areas and around 35% in total live outside of large urban areas, with higher figures for Māori. The Covid-19 pandemic has had large impacts on these communities, exacerbating pre-existing challenges across healthcare services as well as highlighting and compounding stress farmers and growers were already experiencing.
Te Hiringa Mahara director of wellbeing system leadership and insights Dr Filipo Katavake-McGrath said the geographies, economies and cultures of rural communities present challenges to mental health and wellbeing outcomes.
"This is particularly true with respect to isolation and connectivity, workforce challenges in the economy and health services and uncertainty in rural economies."
Poor connectivity meant more people were struggling to get help, advice and support; with older people even less likely to be online, the closure of social hubs such as schools and libraries during lockdowns also had large impacts on communities.
McGrath says the report highlights the challenges presented to the rural community by these issues and with a higher rural population rural issues were disproportionately affecting Māori.
"It is important to remember that life has not 'returned to normal' and the need for support has not gone away. On a positive note, connectedness and belonging have helped people in rural communities stay positive over the Covid-19 pandemic. Strong local connections are a source of strength and support; and this is highlighted in rural Māori and Pacific communities."
During lockdowns, iwi, marae, communities banded together to support one another; share information, food and resources and reduce some of the worst psychological impacts of the pandemic.
"By working together, and engaging with government agencies and resources, rural communities have taken practical action to protect and support themselves. To keep the momentum going, we call for greater involvement of rural communities (particularly rural Māori) in planning and decision-making and better understanding of the diverse needs, challenges and experiences of rural communities."
Like many manufacturers around the world, European agricultural machinery and tractor manufacturers are currently operating in a difficult market environment. But they are heading to the world’s largest agricultural machinery event in Hanover next month with a degree of cautious optimism.
Established in 2021, the John Deere Technician of the Year Awards champion the important contribution parts and service technicians make to the Australian and New Zealand agriculture, construction and forestry industries.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) is calling on farmers from all regions to take part in the final season of the Sheep Poo Study aiming to build a clearer picture of how facial eczema (FE) affects farms across New Zealand.
New Zealand is closer to eradicating bovine TB than ever before, but possums remain a threat, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Peters has joined the debate around the proposed sale of Fonterra’s consumer and related businesses, demanding answers from the co-operative around its milk supply deal with the buyer, Lactalis.
The ACT Party says media reports that global dairy giant Nestle has withdrawn from the Dairy Methane Action Alliance shows why New Zealand needs to rethink its approach to climate.
OPINION: Ageing lefty Chris Trotter reckons that the decision to delay recognition of Palestinian statehood is more than just a fit…
OPINION: A mate of yours truly recently met someone at a BBQ who works at a big consulting firm who spent…