Our Kiwi farmers and growers leave everything they have on the field, they give their all to support New Zealand’s
economy and ensure we have access to the very best food and beverage. However, this does take a toll on their wellbeing
and mental health. Helping farmers and growers take care of their mental health is as important to Ballance
Agri-Nutrients as the health and safety of our own team, that’s why we are a founding partner of the Surfing for Farmers
programme.
“The health, safety and wellbeing of New Zealand farmers is an important topic,” says Jason Minkhorst, GM Sales,
Ballance Agri-Nutrients.
“When you consider all the factors that farmers deal with on a daily bases such as working remotely, animal welfare,
financial pressure, consumer demands, media and lobby group commentary, long hours and weather events like drought, it
is easy to understand why mental health is an issue in rural New Zealand.
“New Zealand farmers love what they do, but the number of people struggling with mental illness in rural areas is
growing. Data shows the number of suicides in rural communities has remained unchanged for the last five years.”
Farmers are becoming more open about their mental health, however they still don't have enough support. The
learn-to-surf programme provides an opportunity for farmers to step away from what can be an all-consuming business, get
fresh air, exercise and interact with other farmers, rural families and industry professionals.
The Surfing for Farmers programme runs for approximately 13 weeks from December 2020, at 16 regional surf beaches around
the country. Farmers are provided with surfing gear (wetsuits, surfboards), free lessons and a free barbeque where
participants can swap surfing stories and have a general catch-up.
Check out the list of locations for one in your local area or go to the Surfing for Farmers Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/surfingforfarmers/. All a farmer needs to do is turn up!LocationKick off dates and timeContact detailsNorthland – Sandy BayWednesday 20th January 2021, runs for 8-10 weeks
Calvin Ball 027 223 2894 or
Ryan Baxter 021 809 569Pauanui -Top of Mt VistaEvery Monday from 7th December 10am - 12:30pm
Karl Davis
027 496 4633Waihi Beach - North end Surf ClubTuesday 1st December Tuesday 5:30pm
Mike Meade
027 659 0661Mt Maunganui -Corner of Banks and Marine ParadeEvery Thursday 10th December 5:30pmGeoff Waite 027 601 4444 or
Sarah Hickey 027 554 9257Ohope- West endTuesday 1st December 5:30pmPhil Williams 027 499 5605 or
Oliver Dobbin 021 149 1972Kaiaua BeachFriday 27th November, 18th December 5:30pm + 2021 TBC
Matt Jefferd
027 499 9205Gisborne - Midway Beach surfclub8th of December 5:30pm
Stephen Thomson
021 450 6531Taranaki - Fitzroy BeachEvery Tuesday from 1st December 5:30pm then 12th Jan until the end of summerMark Dwyer 021 528 263 or
Dean File 021 544 364Northern Hawkes Bay - Waimarama Beach
December 10th at 4pm – one session before Christmas
Beginning again on Jan 21st and then every second Thursday, same time and location
Tim Wynne-Lewis
027 488 9719
Central Hawkes Bay- Porangahau Beach
Pourerere Beach
Thursday 17th December 4pm
Tuesday 22nd December 4pm
Starting again every second Wednesday from 27th Jan 4pm at Porangahau beach
10th February 4pm at Pourerere Beach
Andy Lee
027 354 8608Wairarapa- Riversdale Beach surf clubEvery Thursday from 3rd December 6pm
Amanda Bowie
027 747 4011Sumner beachEvery Tuesday from 17th November 6:15pm
Sandra Taylor
021 151 8685North Canterbury, Gore BayEvery Thursday from 19th November 6pm
James Northcote
027 216 6822Oamaru - Campbells Bay, Kakanui beachEvery Wednesday from 9th December 6:00pm
Alfie Broughton
021 247 8542Colac Bay, Riverton Rock6pm Thursday 10th, 17th December
then every Thursday from the 14th of JanuaryLeo Pekar 027 211 1389 or
Tom Slee 021 027 29896 or
Jess Terrill 027 864 7230