Starting the conversation...

The Top Six Inches - breaking the mental unwellness stigma by starting a conversation

Artist Paul Rangiwahia grew up in the rural town of Hawera and is no stranger to farming stressors.

His previous art is displayed outside New Plymouth's Puke Ariki Library and was his first foray into how art could support positive conversations about mental wellbeing. Paul was aware of the pressure farmers faced, not only with new legislation but also with general on-farm stress. To combat the silence and stigma related to mental unwellness he created the artwork called "The Top Six Inches" using the analogy for not only where the majority of the plant roots sit in the soil but also the top six inches of the brain where resilience is developed by farmers who take care of their wellbeing.

Top Six Inches prints are available for $300.

They act as a mental health/wellbeing conversation starter in your shed; office or home.

Help remove the stigma attached to mental unwellness by encouraging healthy conversations. 

To order phone your local Rural Support Trust or complete the form here. The Top Six Inches canvas will be couriered/posted to your details following payment.

Meet the Artist and the story behind the painting

Paul Rangiwahia talks to Taranaki RST member Marcia about this piece of art he created back in 2020. Which is part of a fundraing project for the RST. Click here.

Thank You for your support.