North Canterbury

Poppy joined Rural Support in June 2024. She is responsible for the Trust’s administration, coordinates the one-on-one support service and is also part of a small team which answers your 0800 calls. Poppy grew up on a sheep and beef farm on Banks Peninsula and now lives on a lifestyle property near Sefton with her family.

Jenny joined the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust in May 2021 as Drought Coordinator. Following the flood event at the end of May her role was extended to cover all Wellness events. This is an exciting opportunity for Jenny to assist rural communities build stronger connections, which in turn will help build resilience when facing challenges.

Alix joined the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust team as the Adverse Events Coordinator shortly after the 2021 Canterbury Flood Event. Alix is no stranger to adverse events having completed CIMS training as a volunteer Civil Defence coordinator in 2007. She was heavily involved with the initial response in Waiau after the Hurunui-Kaikoura Earthquake in 2016.

Stuart is an arable/seed potato/livestock farmer based west of Sheffield in the Selwyn District. He joined the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust in April 2023 and brings with him governance experience gained in industry good and not for profit organisations, as well as agricultural focussed commercial boards. He is currently a director of Central Plains Water Ltd. Stuart was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship in 1996 and has an excellent understanding of the agricultural sector and how it operates.

Hugh and his wife, Jane, live on their farm at Pigeon Bay on Banks Peninsula. Hugh worked as a farmer, farm consultant and rural valuer for many years based in Mid-Canterbury before moving to the Peninsula in 2016. He is also a trustee of the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust.

Noel is a retired veterinarian having worked for 40 plus years in rural veterinary practice in North Canterbury. After retiring Noel worked part-time for AsureQuality for a period. Noel became involved with North Canterbury Rural Support Trust as a facilitator initially and then as a Trustee. Noel served as Chair from 2022-2024. Noel is married to Lois and they have five adult children and at present count, eight grandchildren.

Dorothy grew up on a sheep and beef farm in Omihi, North Canterbury. She is a retired lawyer. Dorothy has been a Trustee since 2019.

Leo started his career as a Farm Advisor with the (then) Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, after which he farmed pigs for over a decade, followed by a long career in local government. In his Trustee role he is Chair of the Adverse Event Portfolio, helping members to be ready to respond when the next event happens. Leo is married to Julie and they have five children and ten grandchildren.

Tony is a retired livestock farmer with over 30 years of experience and 12 years as an agricultural editor. He has served as a facilitator with the North Canterbury Rural Support Trust and held leadership roles within the New Zealand Deer Farmers’ Association. He remains committed to supporting rural communities and sharing practical knowledge across the sector.

Marv is an experienced farmer, educator, and finance professional with a diverse career spanning agriculture, teaching, and rural finance. Currently, he owns an expanded dairy farm, two support blocks, and holds an interest in a kiwi fruit farm. He is affiliated with several professional organisations and has published extensively in agricultural economics and dairy production science.

Mark Woods brings plenty of hands-on experience in the primary sector. From farming, being a stock agent, to being a conduit between organisations like MPI and AgResearch, and rural communities. A natural connector and trusted voice, Mark is known for his straight-talking style, deep empathy, and knack for uncovering what really matters to rural people. He has a strong commitment to honest conversation and community resilience.

Charlotte Rietveld is a sheep farmer and owner-operator of Middle Rock, an intergenerational family farm in the Rakaia Gorge, Canterbury. Charlotte has a background in rural banking. She is actively involved in community groups, including catchment and district societies, Rabobank Client Council, and farm discussion groups. She lives on the farm with her husband and three children.

Richard lives in Sefton, North Canterbury, where he and his partner Liz are in the process of establishing a truffle orchard. He originally hails from a sheep and cropping farm in Mid-Canterbury and has experience in various roles and levels of corporate business management and people leadership. Richard is looking forward to contributing to the Trust and supporting local farmers and growers.