Ruapehu-Whanganui
Ruapehu-Whanganui Rural Support Trust helps locals in tough times
Rural Support Trusts help rural people overcome challenges which at times may seem overwhelming. Our facilitators are people from your community. We have facilitators based in and around Taumarunui, Ohakune and Whanganui. The help you receive is independent, confidential, free and is a one-on-one service.
The Ruapehu/Whanganui Rural Support Trust is a charitable organisation set up to work with the rural community when times are tough on the farm or in the family. They are also part of a nationwide network of rural support trusts that assist rural individuals and communities during and after extreme weather and other adverse events.
The Trust is there to help rural individuals and communities get back on their feet whether it’s from adverse event, biosecurity, financial, health and wellbeing or animal welfare issues. The Trust is well connected with rural networks, rural professionals, health providers, Civil Defence, local and central Government agencies - making the Trust well placed to help.
The Trust’s 0800 help line which is overseen by experienced Facilitators will help choose the right person to assist in resolving the challenge at hand. The Trust Facilitators are located throughout the region- they are rural people with local knowledge and experience. The Facilitator will travel to where they are needed, contact is one on one at a place that suits the individual.
Our services are free and confidential.
Call Ruapehu-Whanganui Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254
Calling from a mobile phone? Select #2 then #2
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.
Ali is the Coordinator for the Ruapehu-Whanganui Trust.
Brian is the Chairperson and Trustee for Ruapehu Whanganui RST and is based in the Whanganui region.
Robert joined the Ruapehu Whanganui Trust in 2024 as a Trustee and Deputy Chairperson. He has farmed in both the Whanganui and Manawatu regions and was previously a trustee of the Manawatu Rangitikei Rural Family Support Trust.
Lyn is a founding trustee of Ruapehu Whanganui Rural Support and a Councillor on the Ruapehu District Council. She is based in the Taumarunui region.
Kirsten joined the Ruapehu Whanganui Trust as a trustee in 2024. She was brought up in the Taumarunui region and now farms in Whanganui. She was previously a director of Beef + Lamb New Zealand.
Kate became involved with Ruapehu-Whanganui RST as a Facilitator in 2014 and was appointed as a Trustee for the Ruapehu Region in 2025. She is a farmer, farm/agribusiness advisor, wife and mum and lives in a small rural community. She finds it rewarding when she sees the support provided by the Trust making a world of difference to an individual, families or a region when faced with adversity.
Edie is a trustee of the Ruapehu Whanganui Trust having joined in 2023. She is based in the Taumarunui region and also works for PGG Wrightson.
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 #2 for the lower North Island, then #2 for Ruapehu Whanganui.
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 #2 for the lower North Island, then #2 for Ruapehu Whanganui.
Helpful articles
Donate to Ruapehu Whanganui Rural Support Trust
We are a voluntary Charitable Trust and would welcome your donation to help us continue supporting our Rural Families.
You can make a donation to the bank account below:
38-9010-0086515-00
Thank you for your kindness.
