| 103 nzdairy RURAL SERVICES » Rural Support Trust Rural Support Trust community dinner. “He has done so much for our rural communities,” she says. “He was the original chairperson for the national trust and has been the Waikato regional chair for a good 20 years.” Michelle says the national body exists to support the regions. “Our mission is to be that trusted national voice so our regions can thrive and support our rural people,” she says. “We’re made up of six elected trustees who are all also on a regional trust board.” That regional knowledge is vital, because no two situations are the same. For some people, support might mean help working through the practical pressures that can build up on farm, including employment issues, health and safety requirements, contracts, compliance, adverse events or financial stress. For others, it might be a confidential conversation at a time when everything feels overwhelming. Rural Support Trust facilitators are trained to listen and to help identify the next step. Sometimes that means practical planning, sometimes it means connecting people with specialist support such as financial, business, legal or wellbeing services. Sometimes it’s simply a cuppa and a listening ear. “It’s free, it’s impartial, and it’s working with someone who’s off the land themselves, who can provide a listening ear and work with you to sort out the best plan to get through it,” Michelle says. Michelle says it can take courage to call the 0800 number, especially when someone has been carrying a lot on their own. By the end of the first conversation, the aim is to have a support plan in place. The response depends on what the person needs and how they would prefer to be supported. Rural Support Trust also manages the Rural Employees Support Hub, which provides support for rural employees facing employment-related issues. The hub is available to employees across rural sectors and can connect them with a free initial consultation with an employment lawyer, giving them access to technical employment information that may otherwise be difficult to find. While one-on-one support is central to the trust’s work, Michelle says Rural Support Trust also plays an important role in strengthening connection across rural communities. Across the country, regional trusts run events focused on wellbeing and community connection. The format may vary, but the purpose is the same: to get people off farm, bring communities together and remind rural people they are not alone. “It’s free, it’s impartial, and it’s working with someone who’s off the land themselves, who can provide a listening ear and work with you to sort out the best plan to get through it.” Whether someone needs practical help, a confidential conversation, or simply someone who understands the realities of rural life, the message is simple. Support is there, and no one has to go through tough times alone. Richard Anderson had been in corporate and institutional banking with Westpac NZ for 20 years, but last year pivoted to his current role as the bank’s head of Agribusiness, a position he’s well suited for given his rural roots, he explains. “While I don’t have a rural banking background, I grew up on a sheep and beef farm near Whanganui so am well aware of the trials and tribulations of the primary industries.” Westpac has been a major sponsor of the Rural Support Trust (RST) for the past five years, supporting it with sponsorship as well as by bringing Westpac ambassadors Sir John Kirwan and Richie McCaw to meet with communities and messaging that stays consistent through events big and small. Last year nationwide egg producer and supplier Better Eggs held a free event in Putaruru open to the entire community, filling the local hall with about 400 people. Local Waikato Farmstrong and RST ambassador Marc Gascoigne spoke about overcoming adversity and his mental health challenges, as did Westpac sponsored Sir John Kirwan, who talked about his own experience as an All Black overcoming similar challenges. “Seeking help was at the top of both Marc’s and JK’s strategies in what were very moving speeches,” says Richard. “JK also came to the Southern Field Days in Waimumu earlier this year where he gave a similar speech about mental health and talked to numerous farmers and people walking past our tent.” Helping local communities was also the driver in Taranaki late last year when Richie McCaw spoke about resilience and leadership at events sponsored by Westpac in partnership with the Taranaki Rural Support Trust. Westpac barbecues are often a feature of community events throughout the country, including those held in Southland following the region’s serious weather events late last year. “We make a real effort to show up and connect with people whenever we can,” says Richard. Given what’s happening around the world Richard believes financial pressures on farm are likely to rise relative to the preceding 12 months, but Westpac takes a long-term view of the agri sector, including the fact that commodity markets have cycles. Richard says his team are mindful that some customers may have difficulties and strongly urges anyone who’s struggling to get in touch sooner rather than later. “We’re here for our customers through the tough times and the good, but communication is vital to any lasting relationship. If you’re experiencing challenges make sure you talk to your key partners about what’s going on. The earlier you communicate with your bank, your accountant and your lawyer the better prepared we’ll be to work out how to support you through these challenges.” Richard would like to see farmers talking to their bank well before they need the Rural Support Trust, but the work the RST does, getting people talking about mental health and working through their issues, remains something the bank wholeheartedly supports. Westpac supporting rural New Zealanders
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