Latest News

National Rural Support Trust Chair to Step Down
Katrina Thomas
/ Categories: National

National Rural Support Trust Chair to Step Down

Neil Bateup, Chair of the National Rural Support Trust is to step down from 1st September.

Neil Bateup, Chair of the National Rural Support Trust is to step down from 1st September. Neil has Chaired the National Trust since its inception in 2017 and been instrumental in leading its growth and development.

Michelle Ruddell, Chair of the Rural Support Trust - Northland will step into the national Chair role with Josh Dondertman, Chair of the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust taking on the Deputy Chair role.

Michelle said it was a privilege to be taking the reins from Neil. “Neil has contributed an enormous amount of time, energy and passion to Rural Support both in his local Waikato Hauraki Coromandel Trust, which he helped set up in 2004 and also at a national level.

“He advocated for the nationwide network of Trusts and then the set-up of the national entity to provide a national voice for Regional Trusts.

“He has so much enthusiasm for supporting farmers and I look forward to building on what he achieved and taking the National Trust forward.”

Michelle is a dairy farmer near Whangārei where she runs a split calving operation with her husband Troy and three children. She has been involved in the Northland Rural Support Trust since 2021.

Josh runs a dairy farming business in Mid Canterbury with his wife and three young boys, and says he is proud to be appointed to this national role.

“There’s increasing awareness of the Rural Support Trusts and its services within rural communities and in particular the one-on-one support provided to farmers and growers experiencing tough times.

“We are the only organisation talking with farmers and growers face to face at the kitchen table, but we also have a wider role in helping others within our rural communities to strengthen connections and ensure other support networks are linked in. Our national role is providing a framework for regional Trusts to best serve their communities, keeping communication lines and information flowing.”

Neil says while the time is right to step down as national Chair he will remain as trustee on the national trust and continue as trustee and Chair of the Waikato Hauraki Coromandel Rural Support Trust. “I’m pleased to be handing over to Michelle. It is great to see the skillset of our new trustees with Michelle and Josh able to lead Rural Support to a strong and sustainable future.

“I have been a passionate farmer all my life and having been through many ups and downs I recognise that it is important to have someone to look to for support in tough times. That is still the ethos of Rural Support and I look forward to seeing that continue.

“We have a great team of enthusiastic, empathetic and dedicated people across the country, and it has been and will continue to be a pleasure to work with them. That said, I’m looking forward to having more spare time for fishing.”

Michelle said she is delighted the Trust is retaining Neil’s experience and knowledge and grateful he will support her and Josh in their new roles.

“I am excited to be working alongside Josh and leading Rural Support as we look to the future and work out how to be fit for purpose for our primary industry communities and remain relevant, independent and sought out in our regions.”

To contact MIchelle, email her at nationalchair@ruralsupport.org.nz

Previous Article Bird flu - what do I need to know?
Next Article Support your new staff to avoid milk contamination - Advice for Farmers from FMG
Print
428

Name:
Email:
Subject:
Message:
x

More news...

Banks Increase Funding to Support Farmers in Need

Banks Increase Funding to Support Farmers in Need

Banks are stepping up to fully fund the Farm Business Advice Fund for farmers who are under considerable business pressure, as well as continuing their sponsorship of the National Rural Support Trust.

September 26, 2024 0 Comments
English Classes to Ease Isolation

English Classes to Ease Isolation

Agri Teach Me co-founder and dairy farmer Lyzanne Du Plessis, of Otahuti, said the lessons were launched as a result of online dairy farming education provider Agri Teach Me asking online language programme provider Te Puna Reo Māori to help write a farming lessons for its curriculum.

September 8, 2024 0 Comments
Rural Women's Mental Health Podcast Series with Ag in Conversation

Rural Women's Mental Health Podcast Series with Ag in Conversation

Ag in Conversation are excited to launch a podcast series focused on Rural Women’s Mental Health. 

September 6, 2024 0 Comments
Life After Death – A Brief Look at Estate Administrartion

Life After Death – A Brief Look at Estate Administrartion

We spend our lives growing our wealth and building our “empire”. But what happens to it when we die? We receive phone calls daily asking, “my loved one passed away, now what”.

September 4, 2024 0 Comments
Drought support increased for North Canterbury Farmers

Drought support increased for North Canterbury Farmers

The government is boosting support for farmers impacted by the ongoing drought in North Canterbury, Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson announced on the 14th August 2024.

August 21, 2024 0 Comments
Support your new staff to avoid milk contamination - Advice for Farmers from FMG

Support your new staff to avoid milk contamination - Advice for Farmers from FMG

You may have new sharemilkers, contract milker or employees on board following this year’s farm change over day. FMG suggests now’s a good time to go over with them how your milking shed works to avoid milk contamination.

August 19, 2024 0 Comments
National Rural Support Trust Chair to Step Down

National Rural Support Trust Chair to Step Down

Neil has Chaired the National Trust since its inception in 2017 and been instrumental in leading its growth and development.

Bird flu - what do I need to know?

Bird flu - what do I need to know?

Eradication is unlikely to be an option if a highly contagious strain of bird flu reaches New Zealand and establishes itself in wild birds, the Ministry for Primary Industries’ chief veterinary officer Mary...
Keeping Well on the Farm

Keeping Well on the Farm

In a sea of jumpers and puffer jackets, in a packed-out community hall on a chilly winter evening in the southern town of Winton (attending a Time Out Tour), Tyler Langford describes the experience of watching her...

Rural Support Trust NZ

With thanks to our Principal Sponsors
 
Thanks to our Time Out Tour partners