We are all Rural Support

Michelle is Trustee and Chairperson of Rural Support Te Tai Tokerau and Trustee and Chairperson of the Rural Support National Council. She runs a large scale dairy farm near Whangārei with her husband and three children.

Josh farms with his wife, Becs, and runs a dairy farming business, with 3 young boys to keep them busy. Josh has farmed in several different locations with corporate farming businesses and has experienced a number of challenging times, natural disasters, financial pressures and tests upon personal wellbeing. This is no different to many people in our rural community and it is this reason that Josh became involved in the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust. Having a supportive, well-resourced and knowledgeable community is invaluable to those people going through hard times.

David lives on the family mixed cropping farm in Esk Valley, St Andrews. His son is now farming this land, and he is the fourth generation Hewson to farm here. David runs a seed dressing plant on farm and helps his son when required. David has been involved with Rural Support since 2006 and was the South Canterbury Chair for 13 years. He is currently serving on the Rural Support National Council.

Janine is a deputy chairperson, treasurer and trustee of the East Coast Rural Support. She has a background in banking, farm ownership and governance and is a Senior Area Manager at DairyNZ. Janine also joined the Rural Support National Council as a trustee in 2025.

Richard lives with his wife Jane in Richmond. His current roles include Chair of the Top of the South Rural Support Trust, Chair of Big Brothers Big Sisters Nelson Tasman, Chair of Go Horticulture Nelson Tasman - helping provide solutions for labour shortages in horticulture, Trustee of Sport Tasman and Elder in his local church. He enjoys giving effective governance leadership and helping meet critical needs for farmers and horticulturalists. He is proud to have fulfilled the role of Mayor of Tasman District for twelve years.

Stephen is a Chartered Accountant, Director and Trustee of a number of sports and charitable trusts. He is also a Director in his own accounting practice and has specialised in providing practical advice to the farming sector for over 30 years. With clients and Farm Advisory Board roles throughout the country, Stephen is well aware of the significant pressure farmers are under and would like to give back to the rural communities that have supported him during his career. He is passionate about the farming sector and lives on his lifestyle block in Karaka because he couldn’t afford a larger farm.

Maria grew up on a farm in Tairāwhiti before taking up roles in rural banking and extension. She joined Rural Support in 2023 with the aim of supporting the regional trusts with their critical role in assisting farmers and growers through difficult times.

Lois grew up on a farm in Southland and now lives with her husband on a small block in Selwyn raising beef cows. She did a Commerce degree at Otago University but soon after qualifying moved into HR where she has worked in the science and research, agriculture and latterly aviation industries. She has held senior leadership positions looking after some great teams of people. Lois joined the Rural Support Trust in 2025 wanting to pursue opportunities within the Not-for-Profit sector and in particular those supporting better mental health outcomes in NZ.