Otago Rural Support Trust

Otago Rural Support Trust

The Otago Rural Support Trust - supporting rural people through challenging times

We know that living and working rurally can be a challenge and sometimes things can get a bit too much. If this is you or if you’re concerned for someone then please get in touch.

The Otago Rural Support Trust is a charitable organisation set up to assist rural individuals and their families to get back on their feet following challenging circumstances such as financial, personal or climatic adverse events.

The Trust has trained and experienced Rural Coordinators who are called on to provide one-on-one support in a free and confidential environment.  Our Coordinators are happy to travel to where they are needed, so will meet at a place that suits you.

Our Trustees, administrator and two Coordinators are all farming and/or rural professionals connected to the farming industry, offering a wide range of experience and knowledge in dealing with challenging rural situations.

Please don’t hesitate to contact us any time for a confidential chat about you, your business, the weather, your finances, or a neighbour, partner, friend, family member, or worker.

Email Us

 

Call The Otago Rural Support Trust now on 0800 787 254

If calling from an Otago landline you will automatically go through to our Administrator.
If calling from a mobile please then select option 3, then option 5.


"Getting in touch with Lindsay from The Otago Rural Support Trust was one of the best decisions we have ever made. 
Having someone that we could talk to who "got it"  at such a stressful time in our lives was a huge relief.
He knew the right people to help us get information that we needed, he was right there beside us, and we always felt supported. Thank you so much."

Our People

  • Lindsay Purvis, Coordinator
  • Joc Kinney, Coordinator
  • Andrea Ludeman, Administrator

    Please click on our coordinator's images to learn more about them.
     

Our Trustees

  • Tom Pinckney, Chair, Cromwell
  • Gareth Isbister, Deputy Chair, Oamaru
  • Mike Lord, Trustee, Taieri
  • Grant Bradfield, Trustee, Catlins
  • Joanne Paterson, Trustee, Ranfurly
  • Maryanne Kane, Trustee, Gore
  • Amy Francis, Trustee, Oamaru
  • Keith Cleave, Trustee, Kurow
  • Phill Hunt, Trustee, Wanaka
Surfing for Farmers - Take the Beach Back to the Paddock - 2024/2025 Season

Surfing for Farmers - Take the Beach Back to the Paddock - 2024/2025 Season

Rural New Zealanders know how important it is to take a well-earned break from life on the
farm, and Surfing for Farmers is all about building a strong community around that idea. Now in
its eighth season, the program gives farmers a chance to step away from their daily routines and
enjoy some much-needed relaxation.

November 15, 2024 0 Comments
The Big Wet - Dealing with the endless Southland Wet!

The Big Wet - Dealing with the endless Southland Wet!

October 18, 2024 0 Comments
Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago.

Extra Government support for farmers and growers in Southland and parts of Otago.

Agriculture Minister Todd McClay MP, and Rural Communities Minister
October 4, 2024 0 Comments
Southern Field Days - Waimumu (Gore), Southland

Southern Field Days - Waimumu (Gore), Southland

On show over three days is the latest in rural technology, equipment and ideas from around the world and it will be on display right here in Southland.
Drawing in increasingly large crowds and exhibitors, Southern Field Days should be in your diary: 11th to the 13th of Feb 2026

2/11/2026 8:00 AM - 2/13/2026 4:00 PM 0 Comments

Upcoming Local Events

Help and resources available to you...

Regional Information and Resources

Otago Rural Support Brochure

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5-Ways to Wellbeing with Sam Whitelock (brough to you by Farmstrong)

National

DairyNZ
0800 4 324 7969

Beef + Lamb NZ
0800 733 466

HORTNZ
0508 467 869

NZ Young Farmers
0800 699 346

Federated Farmers
0800 327 646

Dairy Women's Network
0800 396 748

OSPRI/NAIT
0800 482 463
 

 

Lifeline
0800 543 354 or 09 522 2999 or Free text 4357 (HELP)

Youthline
0800 376 633

Samaritans
0800 726 666

Alcohol Drug Helpline
0800 787 797

Gambling Helpline
0800 654 655

Rural Women New Zealand
0800 256 467

Rural Employee Scheme
0800 694 121

Rural Support Trust NZ

DONATIONS TO THE OTAGO RURAL SUPPORT TRUST

The Otago Rural Support Trust is a voluntary Charitable Trust and welcomes donations.

Thank you for helping us to continue support rural people through challenging times.

You can make a donation via bank transfer as follows, using your name as reference:

The Otago Rural Support Trust
03 - 0937 - 014524 1- 00

Please email OtagoRST@gmail.com to enable us to acknowledge your donation and send a tax receipt.

Thank you for your kindness.

 

Follow The Otago Rural Support Trust on Facebook and Instagram
to keep up to date with local news and events.


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With thanks to our Principal Sponsors
 
Thanks to our Time Out Tour partners