102 | nzdairy Support tailor-made to individual situations Virginia Wright A Rural Support Trust facilitator at the kitchen table. RURAL SERVICES » Rural Support Trust For rural people going through tough times, the first step is often the hardest. It might be picking up the phone or admitting things are not going well. Or it might simply be sitting at the kitchen table with someone who understands rural life and saying out loud what has been weighing heavily for weeks, months or even years. That is where Rural Support Trust comes in. Across New Zealand, the trust provides free and confidential support to farmers, growers, farm workers, rural contractors and their families. The support is practical, personal and grounded in the realities of rural life. The New Zealand Rural Support Charitable Trust is the national body behind the network of 14 regional Rural Support Trusts that operate across the country. The national organisation helps coordinate resources and support stakeholder relationships. The regional trusts deliver the support on the ground. Te Tai Tokerau trustee and national chairperson Michelle Ruddell says that local connection is at the heart of what makes the model work. “The key thing is that we’re rural people and we come to them,” she says. “It’s about us supporting them, whether they’re a sheep and beef farmer, horticulture, dairy or from another rural sector.” Michelle, who farms near Whangarei with her husband and three children, has been a regional trustee since 2020 and chair of Te Tai Tokerau Rural Support Trust since 2021. She joined the national board in 2023 and became national chair in 2024, following the retirement of Neil Bateup. Think Water: Supporting Rural New Zealand with Complete Water Solutions. Water is the lifeblood of rural New Zealand. Whether it's supplying stock, irrigating crops, supporting dairy operations, or providing clean drinking water to homes and workers, a reliable water supply is critical to the success of any rural property. Yet managing water effectively has never been more important. Farmers and rural property owners face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, protect water quality, and build resilience against changing weather conditions. Having the right infrastructure and advice can make all the difference. That's where Think Water comes in. With locally owned stores throughout New Zealand, Think Water works alongside farmers, growers, and lifestyle property owners to develop practical water solutions tailored to their specific needs. Rather than offering a one-size-fits-all approach, our teams take the time to understand each property's unique challenges and goals before recommending the most suitable solution. From water sourcing and storage through to pumping, irrigation, filtration, and treatment, Think Water provides expertise across the entire water cycle. Whether the goal is improving stock water reliability, increasing irrigation efficiency, enhancing water quality, or securing water supplies for future growth, our specialists can help. Many of our stores also work closely with local communities and organisations such as the Rural Support Trust, reflecting our commitment to supporting the long-term sustainability of New Zealand's rural sector. We understand that strong farms and strong rural businesses help build strong communities. What sets Think Water apart is the combination of local knowledge and national expertise. Our teams live and work in the communities they serve, while also drawing on the experience, resources, and supplier partnerships of a nationwide network of water specialists. For rural property owners, that means access to trusted advice, quality products, and ongoing support from people who understand the importance of getting water right. Whether you're planning a new project, upgrading existing infrastructure, or simply looking for advice, Think Water is here to help. Contact your local Think Water store at www.thinkwater.co.nz
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