Rural Community Support
Life in rural New Zealand is built on resilience, hard work, and strong community ties. But for many farmers, growers, contractors, and rural families, daily life can also bring unique challenges, from physical strain and long hours to the isolation that comes with living far from towns and essential services.
When accidents happen, illness strikes, or a loved one passes away, those challenges can quickly become overwhelming. In rural communities, support from neighbours, friends, and local networks can prove essential at challenging times. A helping hand with the stock, meals dropped at the door, school runs covered, or simply someone checking in can make all the difference during difficult times.
Rural Support Trust
Sometimes you need to chat with someone who gets your issues, someone who’s been there before. We’re rural people too, so we understand the challenges of rural life. When times get tough we know how important it is to have someone to talk to. If you or someone you know is doing it tough, reach out to our local Rural Support Trust for a free, always confidential chat.
Getting support during adverse events is critical. Rural Support Trust are here to help you access the support available through agencies like Civil Defence, whilst offering hands-on support through our extensive community connections and support network – so you can get back to what you do best.
Need to talk? Phone 0800 787 254
Resources for dairy farmers
Dairy farming brings its own unique pressures, with demanding daily milking schedules, early starts, and little opportunity to pause when challenges arise. During calving season especially, long hours, physical exhaustion, and the constant care required for animals can place enormous strain on farmers and their families.
Fonterra’s EAP Programme
Fonterra supports Fonterra suppliers (farmers, families, and on‑farm teams) with free access to expert mental health services, rural support networks, and practical tools to help communities thrive.
Find out more…
Dairy Women’s Network
Empowering women to do great things in the dairy sector. We invite you to join us off-farm, to connect with others who share your purpose, and be inspired with information and support to achieve your goals.
Find out more…
Dairy Events Calendar
Explore all upcoming dairy industry events. Events loaded to the calendar areof interest to the dairying community, have strong farmer relevance and benefits, and focus on farmer learning and connection.
View all events…
Live Well Farm Well
Farmstrong is a nationwide wellbeing programme for the rural community. Their aim is to help rural communities live well to farm well, and learn practical tools and strategies for managing workload, stress and pressure.
Their toolbox provides a variety of tips, podcasts, videos, and resources that can easily be integrated into daily routines to help farmers stay mentally fit, manage stress and improve their overall wellbeing.
Belinda Price – Death and Dying in Rural Communities
In this episode, Katy talks with Belinda Price, a Taranaki farmer, trained death doula, and passionate advocate for rural communities – among many other interests. We talk about why isolation and suicide are so prominent in rural New Zealand, and the many resources available to help bring people together to strengthen neighbours and networks.
We talk about the conversation cards Belinda has developed to help families start important conversations and we also talk about Belinda’s new venture into rural real estate, where she is supporting landowners with questions about succession planning and whether they can bury loved ones on the farm.
Rural Women New Zealand
Supporting and connecting rural women for 100 years. Join Rural Women New Zealand for a community of support, connection, and inspiration.
RWNZ seeks to empower rural women by nurturing their talents and encouraging members to develop their skills through leadership roles within branches and provinces. We hope to see our members turn these talents towards leadership roles in their communities. In addition, RWNZ provides both social and business networking opportunities for members.
Rural and farming-focused Facebook communities
Local town and district Facebook pages are fantastic places for practical support, recommendations, fundraising, and emergency coordination.
Some great examples of active rural and farming-focused Facebook communities in New Zealand include:
- New Zealand Farming
- Dairy Farmers of New Zealand
- NZ Lifestyle Block & Small Farm Community
- Rural Women New Zealand community pages
- NZ Young Farmers regional club pages
- Local district community pages such as “Rural Waikato”, “Southland Rural Community”, or “Far North Noticeboard” groups
- Buy/sell and rural support pages that connect farmers with contractors, workers, livestock transport, and emergency help during floods or droughts
End of Life Doulas can help
An End of Life Doula is a companion who supports a person, and their family, as they navigate life leading up to their death and beyond. Their role is to offer non-medical, holistic care, supporting the person’s choices in a kind and non-judgemental way.
The support a Doula provides is tailored to the needs of the person, as and when they arise, but includes:
- Social support ensuring that the person’s circle are informed
- Practical support helping you maintain a sense of control, comfort, & confidence
- Emotional support helping you to feel heard and respected
- Informational support helping you to make informed choices
- Cultural & Spiritual support