The Rural Support Trust is hosting a community wellbeing event at the Awakeri Events Centre next month featuring former NZSAS soldier and Victoria Cross recipient Willie Apiata.

The event on July 1 is one of a series being held around New Zealand aimed at creating open conversations around resilience, mental wellbeing, leadership and life after adversity.

It is expected to bring together farmers, growers, rural professionals and wider rural communities in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Apiata is one of New Zealand’s most respected servicemen and was awarded the Victoria Cross for bravery under fire during service in Afghanistan.

The event will be structured as an interview-style conversation, allowing attendees to hear Apiata speak candidly about his experiences, the challenges he has faced, and the tools he uses to look after his own wellbeing.

Community connector Mike Green said there was an authenticity and humbleness to Apiata.

“He doesn’t stand on stage pretending to have all the answers. He shares his experiences in a very genuine way, and that’s what people connect with.

“He has a lot of mana, and you can see the impact that has on people in the room. The first events, held in Timaru, Ashburton and Dunsandel, have already been incredibly successful.”

National Rural Support chair Michelle Ruddell said the events were about connection and creating space for honest conversations within rural communities.

“Rural people are incredibly resilient, but that doesn’t mean they should have to carry everything on their own. These events are about bringing people together and reminding people that support exists.

“I am really proud of the number of organisations getting behind our wellbeing event series. Strengthening our rural communities by supporting their wellbeing is something that belongs to all of us, and that’s why it is so pleasing to see the collaboration for these events.”

National event partners supporting the initiative include BDO, Craigs Investment Partners, Fonterra, Greenlea, Pioneer, Power Farming, Property Brokers, Farmlands, Ravensdown and Rural Industry Leaders. Community partners include New Zealand Young Farmers and Farmstrong.

The free events are recommended for attendees aged 16 years and over and will include opportunities for informal conversation before and after the keynote session.

Doors open at 6pm with shared platters on tables.

Tickets are free of charge, but registrations are a must as capacity is limited. Tickets are available from Humanitix

https://events.humanitix.com/are-you-ok-with-willie-apiata-july-1-whakatane