Government funding pays for administration work and expert facilitators who work with farmers from north of the Harbour Bridge to Cape Reinga in dealing with the reality of living with the drought - particularly in coping with financial issues and animal welfare.
In some cases, facilitators have taken money from their own pockets so families can buy some food while they wait for applications for Winz benefits to be processed.
Mrs Jonker says many farmers are under extreme duress and, even with rain in the past week, there will be no immediate financial relief as the effects will continue well past the breaking of the drought.
The trust is funded until September 30, but will remain active while there is a need for support.
"The implications [of no funding] are huge - facilitators are no longer funded, but are actually needed more so than ever.
"With three droughts in the last four years, some farmers have been struggling for some time, the current drought for some people is the last straw," she said.
"If we could raise $30,000 from all avenues we could be so much more effective.
"We are delighted the BNZ has already donated $5000 to the RST to enable our work to continue after the drought."
The Trade Me auction was the brain child of RST chairman Mike Eagles.
He said the Highlanders team recently auctioned a signed jersey and had pledged the money to the Northland Rural Support Trust.
"I thought it was a great gesture and contacted Nick White - the Blues scrum coach - to see if we could do something similar.
"They have given us three balls - which we will auction one at a time - and hopefully raise some much-needed funds - every little bit helps."
Those wanting to participate can bid on Trade Me Auction 575902143.