State farmer backs national charities

Meat the Need gets $25,000, Rural Change (Will to Live) $12,500, and IHC Calf and Rural Scheme gets 41 calves valued up to $20,000.

Pāmu chief executive Mark Leslie says as New Zealand’s largest farmer, the company is conscious of its responsibilities to people and communities.

“Our strategic pillars include being a leader in health, safety, and well-being, as well as supporting the communities in which we farm.

“These three organisations are doing great mahi across the country.

“While we have supported IHC for decades, we became involved with Meat the Need at its inception in 2019, and this year we’ve agreed to support Rural Change in recognition of the work they are doing on the rural well-being coalface, particularly post-Cyclone Gabrielle.

“We are proud to back these organisations who align well with our company values and are also innovating and leading positive change.”

Meat the Need is dedicated to New Zealand farmers feeding New Zealand families. The organisation works with farmers, processors, and established food banks and missions to get mincemeat to families who face food uncertainty. Founder Wayne Langford says that the $25,000 donation from Pāmu means 21,300 mince meals to fill tummies. Pāmu has also been running a competition amongst its staff nationwide, for their best mince recipes. These will be included in food boxes in selected regions.

Rural Change (Will to Live) is focused on getting farmers and rural people dedicated psychological help when they need it. Pāmu is one of their largest sponsors, with a $12,500 donation, meaning 125 farmers can get professional help.

“Rural Change fills a vital gap in rural well-being, and since the cyclones, demand has outstripped their ability to help,” says Leslie.

“Stress and burnout are real risks for our rural communities, and it takes courage to reach out for help. It is very important to Pāmu to be part of these conversations and support the organisations who are at the coalface of farmer mental wellbeing.”

The IHC Calf and Rural Scheme has supported people with intellectual disabilities living in rural areas for more than 40 years. Pāmu farms are donating 41 calves from dairying operations across the motu, with a potential value of up to $20,000 depending on their final weight.