Contributed by: New Zealand Walking Access Commission Summer can be a busy time for farm managers. Among the pressures they face are more people who may want permission to cross their land. Many families and tourists head into the outdoors over the holidays. So farmers and landholders have more people walking and cycling in their […]
Community
Free lunchtime chats to boost farmer resilience
Three of New Zealand’s foremost motivational speakers on resilience and mental wellbeing will offer tips for farmers and growers in a series of free online lunchtime talks. Isolation and the sometimes stressful nature of agriculture, with severe weather and volatile trading conditions out of their control, puts pressure on rural families. “The added restrictions, health […]
Coroner inquest delays, case blow-out concerns Federated Farmers
A dramatic drop in the number of coroner’s inquests being undertaken and long delays before cases are heard and findings released are concerning trends, Federated Farmers health and safety spokesperson Karen Williams says. “From media reports it does seem that our coroners are sinking under the workload. They shouldn’t be put in this situation,” Karen, […]
Mark your days by helping Retired Working Dogs
The October FEDSNEWS showcased the work that Natalie Smith and the Retired Working Dogs charity have been doing to help man’s best friend find loving homes. Now we’re introducing Helen and Hoon, the formidable pair who help sell the charity’s calendars. Helen Sheard is one of the vets at the Fielding branch of Totally Vets. […]
Big Brothers, Big Sisters chase bigger rural presence
Big Brothers, Big Sisters – the organisation that matches mentors with young people who need a caring adult outside of their own family to interact with – is looking to up its reach in rural New Zealand. BBBS national CEO Drew Ewan says farmers have a lot to offer youngsters, especially those from towns who […]
Tested positive, and now warns others: Don’t underestimate COVID
Take it from someone who’s had it – if you get COVID-19, it’s highly likely it will bowl you for six. Charles Taituha, who these days is an advisor contracted to Beef+Lamb NZ and several Māori entities, warns that if you get it, “you’re quite likely to be buggered for two or three days. “Just […]
East Coast Expo panel will focus on youth in farming
The world is the oyster of those who choose to be part of an industry that contributes to the most important thing in the world – sustainably produced food. Lincoln University Adjunct Professor Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, Growing Future Farmers general manager Cyn Smith and Napier Boys’ High School head of agriculture Rex Newman all say […]
Another day at the office for Pip…
Is this one of the best rural photos of the year (even decade)? It was snapped earlier this week by Pahiatua farmer and Federated Farmers member Nick Perry and has already been seized on by media as a compelling shot. This is how Nick described what happend: While crossing a culvert on farm I heard […]
Former NZRGPN Board student rep receives prestigious Rhodes Scholarship
The New Zealand Rural General Practice Network (Network) is thrilled to hear that former Board student representative Dr Ben Alsop-ten Hove has received the prestigious Rhodes Scholarship. This postgraduate award will support Ben to study at the University of Oxford in the United Kingdom where he will join a cohort of more than 100 Rhodes […]
Farmers invited to hit the waves and Hang 10
The award-winning farmer mental health and recreation programme Surfing for Farmers is about to paddle out for a fourth season. Founder Stephen Thomson says everyone involved is excited to be back again “bigger and better than last year”. Surfing for Farmers is an ocean therapy initiative that is helping improve mental health and wellbeing in […]