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Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey.
The Government has announced its support for 18 community-based initiatives through its Rural Wellbeing Fund.
Agriculture Minister Todd McClay says the fund was established last year to boost wellbeing programmes that support the rural sector.
"These initiatives will ensure farmers and growers have the support they need to thrive,” McClay says.
Meanwhile, Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey says the Government is committed to delivering faster access to mental health support, including for the one in five people living in rural communities.
“We’ve focused on supporting proposals that can have the greatest impact on the ground, as well as new initiatives targeting gaps,” Doocey says.
“Partnering with grassroots organisations enables the Government funding to go further and make a real difference.”
As part of the funding boost, Farmstrong Charitable Trust will receive $399,250; Surfing for Farmers Charitable Trust receives $160,000, and The NZ Federation of Young Farmers Clubs Incorporated receives $585,000
The Ministry for Primary Industries and Health New Zealand each allocated $2 million over four years for the fund through Budget 2025.
Sam Whitelock is an All Black rugby great, Farmstrong Ambassador and working dairy farmer in the Manawatu. Having stepped away from professional sport and returned to his roots on the family farm, he talks about balancing farm life with advocating for rural wellbeing.
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