West Coast
West Coast Rural Support Trust helps locals in tough times
West Coast 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. West Coast RST is part of a national network of 14 trusts across the regions of New Zealand.
We are rural people with a wide range of experience and knowledge in dealing with challenging situations. Our facilitators are trained to help find options to manage all types of rural challenges.
The trust is linked to agencies to work alongside during an adverse event and can provide you with information and assist you in getting emergency or on-going help during and after an adverse event.
OUR SERVICE IS FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL
Call West Coast Rural Support Trust now on 0800 787 254
Calling from a mobile phone? Select #3 then #3.
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.
Originally from Akaroa, Becky has been living in Westport since 2006. Together with her partner and two young children they own a third generation dairy farm in Westport. She has a background in financial and business management and has been involved in Governance and voluntary roles for several years. She enjoys connecting with people, learning new skills and helping where she can.
Carol is a friendly, approachable retired dairy farmer from Sergeant’s Hill in Westport. She has 4 adult children and copious grandchildren who all live on the 5th generation dairy farm. She has been involved with a wide variety of voluntary organisations all her married life across many facets of the community and enjoys helping people.
Graham farms in South Westland. He is also involved in the local emergency response group, on the Board of Trustees of South Westland Area School and involved in the local rugby and badminton clubs. He enjoys being part of the community and being there for those who need it.
Gillian joined West Coast Rural Support as a trustee in 2019.
Bede has been a West Coast Rural Support Trustee since 2013 and is based in the Buller Gorge, Westport.
Paul joined West Coast Rural Support in 2009 and is based in Atarau.
Kees joined West Coast Rural Support in 2017 and is based in Hokitika.
Ron joined West Coast Rural Support in 2018 and is based in Kokatahi.
Peter joined West Coast Rural Support in 2021 and is based in Karamea.
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 #3 for West Coast.
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 #3 for West Coast.
Helpful articles
Donate to West Coast 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 via bank transfer as follows: 06 0845 00054510-00
Thank you for your kindness.
