Ex-All Black Sam Whitelock Swaps Rugby for Dairy Farming
Returning to the family dairy farm after playing 20 years of professional rugby around the world is no easy task.
A newly launched collaborative rural wellbeing recovery project aims to help rural communities across the North Island to come together through a series of in-person events and programmes this summer.
“This is a challenging time for our farmers, growers and other rural people. Making time to pause to check-in on each other and focus on our personal and family wellbeing is key,” says Lisa Sims of the Agri-Women’s Development Trust. “That’s why several rural organisations have come together to deliver ‘Checking-in’ – a series of community events and online tools and tips for connection and resilience in a tough season.”
Headlining the project is a series of community get-togethers, events and personal development programmes across the North Island. These include AWDT’s YOU Matter programmes, Rural Women NZ supporting community Christmas events, Farmstrong Comedy events and more.
Rural people across New Zealand are also invited to subscribe to the ‘Checking-in’ tools and tips email series.
Delivered weekly, the 15-part series of short videos is about making the hard stuff manageable – like supporting young people through challenging times, managing emotions and enjoying the good times.
‘Checking-in’ is run by the Agri- Women’s Development Trust, Rural Women New Zealand and Farmstrong, with support from the Rural Support Trust. The project is funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries as part of the NIWE (North Island Weather Event) response.
www.checking-in.co.nz.
Federated Farmers has welcomed new rural policies released by ACT, saying they align closely with its own election priorities.
Rural Contractors NZ says proposed changes to land transport rules for agricultural vehicles are a welcome response by the Government to out of date regulations which have seen members hit with huge fines.
Alliance is calling for final applications for its 2027 Graduate Programme, with applications closing on Sunday 25 October.
Decades piloting planes has ensured vet and farmer David Hayes is focused on safety. So, after a serious accident while welding on farm, he is sharing his experience so others can learn from it.
Canterbury milk processor, Synlait Milk has confirmed Leon Fung as its chief executive officer.
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