Otago
The Otago Rural Support Trust - supporting rural people through challenging times
We know that living and working rurally can be a challenge and sometimes things can get a bit too much. If this is you or if you’re concerned for someone then please get in touch.
The Otago Rural Support Trust is a charitable organisation set up to assist rural individuals and their families to get back on their feet following challenging circumstances such as financial, personal or climatic adverse events.
The Trust has trained and experienced Rural Coordinators who are called on to provide one-on-one support in a free and confidential environment. Our Coordinators are happy to travel to where they are needed, so will meet at a place that suits you.
Our Trustees, Administrator and two Coordinators are all farming and/or rural professionals connected to the farming industry, offering a wide range of experience and knowledge in dealing with challenging rural situations.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us any time for a confidential chat about you, your business, the weather, your finances, or a neighbour, partner, friend, family member, or worker.
Call the Otago Rural Support Trust now on 0800 787 254
Calling from a mobile phone? Select #3 then #5.
"Getting in touch with Lindsay from The Otago Rural Support Trust was one of the best decisions we have ever made. Having someone that we could talk to who "got it" at such a stressful time in our lives was a huge relief. He knew the right people to help us get information that we needed, he was right there beside us, and we always felt supported. Thank you so much."
Our team
Our team is made up of professionals with a wide range of experience in primary industries as well as other sectors. They're passionate about supporting the community and helping rural people.
Joc grew up on a sheep farm in South Otago, with the challenges of an often wet climate and flooding. Having moved to a farm in the Ida Valley in later years, Joc moved away to train as an Occupational Therapist. Once finished she returned home, working out in the Central Otago community as a rural OT.
Kelly joined the Otago Trust in June 2025. She is responsible for the Trust's administration and will likely be the first person you talk to if you call the 0800 number. Kelly's background is in the not for profit sector with Land Search and Rescue and she lives with her young family in Alexandra.
Gareth grew up on a farm in North Otago and after attending Lincoln University and working overseas took up dairy farming. After ten years he developed a dryland property, converting to irrigation, with a focus on beef fattening and trading. He has since retired from farming and enjoys doing casual agricultural based work when needed.
Tom hails from a high country station in Northern Southland, he moved to Northburn Station in Cromwell to farm merinos in 1993 just as Lake Dunstan was filling. Tom joined Otago Rural Support in June 2017.
Phill has farmed for 30 years near Wanaka with wife Lizzie and had farming interests in South Otago. Phill has been involved with off farm voluntary governance in the rural sector and in St John throughout his career.
Lindsay calls Omarama home. He was previously the coordinator for Otago Rural Support for seven years and has recently moved to the position of Trustee. Lindsay farmed in the Waianakarua region before purchasing a tourism business in Omarama.
Grant is a semi retired fourth generation sheep and beef farmer from the Catlins district. He and his wife Karen have 4 children, of which 3 are currently farming with their families. Grant has been involved in Federated Farmers and other political organisations as well as various community groups. Being a Trustee enables Grant to support the work to ease pressure on farmers and support those in need.
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Joanne is married to Max with 4 adult independent children and grandchildren. Joanne has lived and farmed on the Maniototo for more than 50 years and has contributed to many community groups as well as working as a rural health practitioner. She also undertook nursing research whilst working in a large trauma hospital in Bristol and then returned to university, and gained a Master's degree in Nursing in 2007 from Otago. Joanne has been a Trustee with Otago Rural Support since 2017.
Rob joined Otago Rural Support as a trustee in 2025. He is based in the Outram region.
Mary-Anne joined Otago Rural Support in 2017 as a trustee and is based in Tapanui.
Amy joined Otago Rural support in 2021 as a trustee. She is based near Oamaru and has also previously used her communications and social media skills to support the Trust's communication plan.
WATCH: The Rural Support Difference
Supporting regions dealing with adverse events
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Restoring our rural communities
Call or email us.
We're here to help.
Our team of over 300 are available to assist you. We’re rural people ourselves, and operate locally in 14 regions across New Zealand, so we’re never too far to help.
Contact one of our team today.
Call our freephone number to be directed to your local Rural Support Trust. All calls are completely confidential. Select #3 for the South Island, then #5 for Otago.
Call or email us.
We're here to help.
Our team of over 300 are available to assist you. We’re rural people ourselves, and operate locally in 14 regions across New Zealand, so we’re never too far to help.
Contact one of our team today.
Call our freephone number to be directed to your local Rural Support Trust. All calls are completely confidential. Select #3 for the South Island, then #5 for Otago.
Helpful articles
Donate to The Otago Rural Support Trust
The Otago Rural Support Trust is a voluntary Charitable Trust and welcomes donations. Thank you for helping us to continue support rural people through challenging times.
You can make a donation via bank transfer as follows, using your name as reference:
The Otago Rural Support Trust
03 - 0937 - 0145241- 00
Please email to enable us to acknowledge your donation and send a tax receipt.
Thank you for your kindness.
