Fonterra extends Rural Support Trust partnership
Fonterra has extended its partnership with the Rural Support Trust (RST) for another three years as a new report highlights the Trust’s impact in rural communities.
For every $1 invested into the delivery of Rural Support services, a social value of $4.60 - $5.50 is created, according to a new report by the Ākina Foundation.
The report, which was supported by Fonterra, showed 1,500 people reached out to RST for support in 2024, with around 51% of cases also requiring additional specialist support networks.
Of those who engaged with RST, 94% felt less stress and on average their mental wellbeing improved by 5.4 points on a 10-point scale. At the same time, 84% of those who had previously engaged with their services had more knowledge about where to find external support when they needed it.
Fonterra’s Group Director Global External Affairs Simon Tucker says the Co-operative is grateful for RST’s ongoing support of rural communities.
“We know the ups and downs that come with working on the land and the stress that goes along with it. This report demonstrates why access to wellbeing services is vital for our rural communities across New Zealand.
“We’re proud to partner with Rural Support Trust and want to thank them for continuing to show up for farmers and their families when they need it most.”
"I am proud of the work Rural Support has achieved and this report validates and proves the ongoing impact that we have. We are immensely grateful to our Foundation Partner Fonterra who made this project possible."
National Chair for the Rural Support Trust, Michelle Ruddell says the report outlines the positive outcomes and achievements Rural Support delivers to communities.
“I am proud of the work Rural Support has achieved and this report validates and proves the ongoing impact that we have. We are immensely grateful to our Foundation Partner Fonterra who made this project possible.”
Michelle says that while it was good to see the positive impact RST had on a person’s wellbeing, it was concerning that an improvement of 5.4 points meant that many were getting into some dark places before reaching out for help.
“Our ongoing work in destigmatising mental health challenges and normalising asking for help is critical to building strengthened rural communities. We want people to feel comfortable to reach out early before things feel out of control and we’re here to support regardless of the situation.”
Fonterra’s partnership with RST is made possible through the Co-operative’s Doing Good Together programme, which focuses on three pillars: putting good quality nutrition in the hands of those who need it most, providing care and support to keep rural communities strong, and empowering communities to protect and restore nature for future generations.
Alongside RST, Fonterra is proud to sponsor Surfing for Farmers, which gives farmers the chance to take a break from the farm and connect with fellow farmers and rural families.