Farmers, growers and rural people across the Waikato are being invited to hear from New Zealand’s only living Victoria Cross recipient, Willie Apiata, at two free community events in Matamata and Taupō this November.
The I’m Good… Are You? events will be held at Pepper Street Kitchen in Matamata on November 10, and the Great Lake Centre in Taupō on Wednesday, November 11.
Hosted by Waikato Rural Support Trust, the evenings will focus on resilience, connection and the pressures that can come with rural life.
Waikato Rural Support Trust Events Coordinator Hannah Stobie said the trust wanted to create an opportunity for farmers and growers to come together and enjoy an evening off farm.
“It can feel isolating and lonely at times on farm,” Stobie said.
“We wanted to bring people together for an evening around resilience, connection and navigating the pressures that come with rural life.”
She said there was also uncertainty around what summer might look like and how El Niño could affect farmers in different areas across the Waikato.
“Farmers are facing decisions around how best to prepare and what that will look like for them.”
Apiata was awarded the Victoria Cross for New Zealand in 2007 for bravery under fire while serving with the New Zealand Special Air Service in Afghanistan.
At the Waikato events, he will share his story and speak about resilience, connection and navigating difficult periods.
Stobie said his relaxed approach made it easy for him to connect with rural audiences.
“Willie’s very relaxed approach makes it easy for him to connect with the rural community,” she said.
“By openly speaking about the challenges he has faced, he helps people realise that everyone faces challenges.”
The trust hopes the evenings will give people a chance to step back from day-to-day pressures, enjoy Apiata’s story and spend time with others from their local community.
“We hope people enjoy an evening away from the farm where they can come together with their wider community,” Stobie said.
“Realising that you are never alone can make all the difference for one person.”
The Taupō event will be held at the Great Lake Centre, 5 Story Place, from 6pm to 9.30pm. Doors open at 6pm for a light supper and time to mix and mingle, with the event beginning at 7pm. A cash bar will be available.
It is free to attend, but registrations are essential as capacity is limited. The event is open to people aged 16 and over.
The Waikato presentations are supported by event partners BDO, Craigs Investment Partners, Fonterra, Greenlea Foundation Trust, Property Brokers, Farmlands, Pioneer, Power Farming, Ravensdown and Rural Industry Leaders, along with community partners NZ Young Farmers and Farmstrong.
The Taupō event is also supported by Taupō District Council as a local partner.
Registrations are available through the Rural Support Trust website and Humanitix.
https://events.humanitix.com/imgoodareyouwithwillieapiatanov11taupo
