Latest news with #RuralWellbeingFund
Scoop
2 hours ago
- Business
- Scoop
Primary Sector-Government Partnership To Boost Rural Health And Resilience
Minister of Agriculture Minister of Forestry The Government is stepping up support for rural New Zealand with a $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund to expand investment in community-based initiatives, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. 'The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who has been a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health,' Mr McClay says. The contestable fund to drive rural health and community resilience will prioritise initiatives that have strong local backing and secure co-funding from industry or regional partners. It will support new and existing initiatives like Surfing for Farmers, Farmstrong, NZ Young Farmers, FirstMate and many more. A five-member panel with representation from the primary sector will be established to assess project applications. Projects must demonstrate strong local delivery, provide clear benefits to rural people, and ability to attract co-investment from industry and sector partners. 'We're backing the people on the ground who are already doing great work—this fund is about scaling up, reaching further, and removing barriers for rural communities to lead their own wellbeing efforts,' Mr McClay says. This fund brings the Government's total investment in rural resilience and mental health to more than $11 million over the next four years. 'This package is about ensuring the farmers and growers who generate our export income, create jobs, and sustain our regions have the support they need to thrive,' Mr McClay says. 'When rural New Zealand is well, New Zealand does well,' Mr McClay says. In addition to the Rural Wellbeing Fund, the Government has confirmed: $6 million over four years for Rural Support Trusts across the country; An extra $1 million in 2025 for frontline rural mental wellbeing services; $400,000 in grants for A&P shows that foster rural connection and pride; and $250,000 to support the expanded outreach work of Rural Women New Zealand in 2025/26. Expressions of interests for project funding are now open. For more information, visit
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Government Backing Rural Resilience And Wellbeing
Press Release – New Zealand Government Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson says the package reflects the realities of rural life and the need for practical, locally driven support. Hon Matt Doocey Minister for Mental Health Minister for Rural Communities The government is boosting support for rural resilience and wellbeing announced by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson. 'We're backing Rural Support Trusts by committing $3 million over the next four years, to help improve rural communities' access to primary mental health services and specialist services,' Mr Doocey says. 'A range of services already exist, this is about making them easier to access, better connected, and focused on delivering support that makes a difference for people in rural communities. 'Whether it's help on the farm, over the phone, or at a local event, we're ensuring rural people know where to turn and can get support when they need it.' This funding is on top of the ongoing funding of $3 million over the next four years allocated to Rural Support Trusts through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 'The Government is also investing $2 million of Health funding in the Rural Wellbeing Fund. Building on from Budget announcements this means the Rural Wellbeing Fund will double to $4 million over the next four years,' Mr Doocey says. 'The Rural Wellbeing Fund will be specifically focused on supporting the wellbeing and resilience of hard-working New Zealanders who live outside of the major centres.' Mr Patterson says the package reflects the realities of rural life and the need for practical, locally driven support. 'I am delighted that we are bolstering funding to support those who need help the most – living rurally presents a unique set of challenges which include isolation and lack of services. When added pressures arise, rural people can find themselves facing challenging situations in need of mental wellbeing support. 'This is about investing in the people who drive our primary industries — and making sure they're connected to the right support, whether it's peer networks, wellbeing initiatives, or expert advice,' Mr Patterson says. 'It's about building resilience and supporting rural New Zealand to stay strong, stay productive, and keep powering the country forward.' 'When rural communities mental health and wellbeing are supported, economy is stronger for it,' Mr Doocey says.
Scoop
a day ago
- Health
- Scoop
Government Backing Rural Resilience And Wellbeing
Hon Matt Doocey Minister for Mental Health Minister for Rural Communities The government is boosting support for rural resilience and wellbeing announced by Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey and Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson. 'We're backing Rural Support Trusts by committing $3 million over the next four years, to help improve rural communities' access to primary mental health services and specialist services,' Mr Doocey says. 'A range of services already exist, this is about making them easier to access, better connected, and focused on delivering support that makes a difference for people in rural communities. 'Whether it's help on the farm, over the phone, or at a local event, we're ensuring rural people know where to turn and can get support when they need it.' This funding is on top of the ongoing funding of $3 million over the next four years allocated to Rural Support Trusts through the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI). 'The Government is also investing $2 million of Health funding in the Rural Wellbeing Fund. Building on from Budget announcements this means the Rural Wellbeing Fund will double to $4 million over the next four years,' Mr Doocey says. 'The Rural Wellbeing Fund will be specifically focused on supporting the wellbeing and resilience of hard-working New Zealanders who live outside of the major centres.' Mr Patterson says the package reflects the realities of rural life and the need for practical, locally driven support. 'I am delighted that we are bolstering funding to support those who need help the most – living rurally presents a unique set of challenges which include isolation and lack of services. When added pressures arise, rural people can find themselves facing challenging situations in need of mental wellbeing support. 'This is about investing in the people who drive our primary industries — and making sure they're connected to the right support, whether it's peer networks, wellbeing initiatives, or expert advice,' Mr Patterson says. 'It's about building resilience and supporting rural New Zealand to stay strong, stay productive, and keep powering the country forward.' 'When rural communities mental health and wellbeing are supported, economy is stronger for it,' Mr Doocey says.
