Rural Support Trust

Amidst the ups and downs of rural life - from financial pressures to mental health challenges - the Rural Support Trust serves as a lifeline for many across New Zealand’s rural communities. With Michelle Ruddell recently taking on the role of National Chair, the organisation is entering a new chapter, expanding its support while staying true to its grassroots mission. We caught up with Michelle to learn more about the Trust’s impact, and her vision for a stronger, more connected rural sector.

Michelle’s journey with the Rural Support Trust began during one of the toughest times for New Zealand’s agricultural sector - the Mycoplasma bovis (MBovis) outbreak. At the time, Michelle had been dairy farming for over 14 years, and had also built a career in adult physical rehabilitation. Not one to sit back and watch from the side-lines, she joined the Trust as an Agricultural Facilitator, providing much needed support to dairy farmers in Northland whose properties had been affected by the outbreak.

“I was able to support dairy farmers on confirmed properties work through an extremely challenging time, helping them navigate the bureaucracy while supporting their mental wellbeing,” Michelle reflected. That experience was a turning point, and sparked her passion for the Trust’s work. “I loved how the Rural Support Trust was there to support our farmers and growers. Helping them to realise their own potential through empathy, empowerment and support.” Going forward, she shared, it’s this mindset which continues to guide and shape her decisions as the new National Chair.

The Trust’s history is deeply intertwined with the rugged resilience of New Zealand’s farming communities, originally forming when farmers came together in times of crisis, particularly when extreme weather battered their land and livelihoods. These early efforts were informal - neighbours helping neighbours, sharing resources, and offering practical support to weather the storms. Over time, what began as a local initiative steadily grew into an organised network, as farmers recognised the enduring need for a more structured approach to supporting one another.

In the decades that followed, the Trust expanded its focus. No longer solely dedicated to weather-related challenges, it began addressing the broader issues that rural workers increasingly faced. Financial hardship, employment struggles, mental health pressures and so on, became central to the Trust’s scope of support.

Despite this growth, the Trust has never lost sight of its volunteer-driven beginnings. The Rural Support Trust began as a volunteer base of local rural farmers supporting each other, and this sense of community and grassroots action sits at the heart of their efforts today.

Despite this growth, the Trust has never lost sight of its volunteer-driven beginnings. The Rural Support Trust began as a volunteer base of local rural farmers supporting each other, and this sense of community and grassroots action sits at the heart of their efforts today.

With 14 regional trusts spread across New Zealand, the Rural Support Trust has solidified its impact on the country’s local communities. Each trust is run by people who understand the unique challenges their regions face. “They know their communities and their people. They actively foster local relationships and networks to collaborate and co-operate in order to support their farmers and growers through challenging times,” Michelle explained.

Given the geographic isolation many farmers face, the Trust makes it a priority to provide accessible services, regardless of location. While it may not always be possible to have a facilitator in every community, Michelle stated that the Trust strives to off er a wide geographical spread and will send facilitators to the areas where they are most needed. “Sometimes the best person may not be the closest,” she highlighted, “but could be someone outside of the immediate locality that has the skills needed.”

Michelle noted that rural communities face unique mental health challenges, such as isolation and the unpredictable nature of the agricultural industry. “Farmers and growers are more likely to experience isolation, working on farm all day with little interaction with others, and being based in smaller communities which may not have the same services and facilities of urban centres,” she described. The reliance on weather patterns also adds another layer of stress, “their operation can be positively or negatively impacted by something they can prepare for but have no control over.”

Despite these challenges, Michelle is hopeful for the future. She sees the work of the Rural Support Trust, alongside organisations like Farmstrong Lean on a Gate and Surfing for Farmers as vital in creating a healthier, more resilient rural community. In particular Michelle noted Surfing for Farmers, a surf therapy initiative for farmers and growers which returns this summer to 27 locations across the country.

One of Michelle’s key focuses going forward is spreading the word about the Trust’s positive impact. By increasing awareness, the Trust hopes to encourage more farmers and rural workers to access its services, which are available all year round, as well as foster a culture where neighbours and family members feel comfortable suggesting the Trust as a resource to those in need.

“Better communication means we will be able to quantify and articulate the powerful impact we know we have across the rural communities of Aotearoa. This is important, as the more people know about us and what we do, the more likely they’ll reach out, or, furthermore, they could encourage their neighbour, friend or family member to reach out and seek support. The service is entirely within your control, and you choose how you wish to engage with us and what support will work best for you. There is no obligation, and it’s free, confidential and impartial,” she explained.

Michelle also discussed the key relationships the Trust has built with primary industries, government, and major banks. These partnerships have enabled the Trust to offer their exemplary tailored support for rural workers, helping them get back on their feet. “We are immensely grateful for these relationships and partnerships,” she said.

“Like Fonterra, who is committed to the Rural Support Trust evolving and being fit for purpose, Dairy NZ which is supporting the Rural Employment Support Hub (RESH), and MPI, The Greenlea Foundation, and Pioneer Brand Products NZ, who provide sponsorship to support our core work.”

One particularly impactful programme is the Business Advice Fund, designed to assist farmers and growers facing fi nancial difficulties. “It is an early intervention tool,” Michelle explained. “Farmers and growers can work with their bank to engage a consultant who will review the business and provide a report covering potential options to improve financial resilience.” She continued, “Funding for this has been provided by ANZ, ASB, BNZ, Westpac and Rabobank. Farmers and growers can talk to their bank or local Rural Support Trust to see if it may be suitable for them.”

As the Trust looks towards the future, succession planning is another big focus. Michelle explained that all 14 regional trusts have recently undergone workshops to develop succession plans, ensuring that the organisation remains sustainable and relevant for future generations. This work is essential not only for the longevity of the Trust but also to ensure that the diverse needs of the rural community are continuously reflected in the Trust’s work.

Michelle’s final message to New Zealand’s rural workers is simple but heartfelt: “If you need support, even just someone to talk to about your current challenges, we are here to listen. We can help connect you with any professional expertise needed and our team are rural people who understand the unique challenges of rural life. We are here to support you regardless of the issues you face, and our team cares deeply about rural communities and the people within them.”