The West Coast Rural Support Trust has a small, dedicated team of Trustees, Coordinator & support people dotted up & down the region.

All farming or from farming backgrounds – we understand the struggles rural people come across.

The West Coast is so geographically sparce with small pockets of communities, isolation can be a significant factor for increased stress & a barrier in getting or knowing what support is available.

Access to services can be a real challenge.

This occurs predominantly in the health sector and for employment related education & support.

If you reach out to us we can help with a confidential chat with you, and if you need further advice or support, we can assist in connecting you to people or organisations to best help you.

When the weather rolls in with a vengeance or your having personal struggles, you may find us popping in with a hamper of goodies.

We support our rural farming communities when there are adverse events by working alongside emergency management organisations & people on the ground.

We work closely with our local rural professionals, local companies & often partner with Dairy NZ & FMG for planned events or to support our communities when needed.

We have a close relationship with Westland Milk Products & will often support events they are involved in or hosting.

They support us in sharing our events amongst the suppliers and are able to work alongside us with dairy farmers who need support.

During the spring of 2024 – it was extremely wet, EVERYWHERE.

We worked with local businesses, rural professionals & our Rural Support team to host  “Spring Fever Shout” events up & down the West Coast.

This was implemented very quickly with a lot of effort from many people. It was a chance to get out & connect with other farmers going through the same tough times.

Moana has just held their annual Swinging Udders event.

Where almost 100 attendees got together for a meal, guest speaker & spot prizes.

The most important message we want to extend to our Rural Farming people is; no matter who you are or what the situation is, we are hear for you!

No judgement & completely confidential support.

By Becky Martin, West Coast Rural Support Trust coordinator