Year in Review: This letter, released by DairyNZ, struck a chord with The Country earlier this year. It was from an architectural designer in Auckland who wanted to illustrate urban support for New Zealand farmers and to raise awareness of rural mental health for Mental Health Week in September.
Year in Review: Why this townie is standing up for farmers
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Here's what Aucklander Mark Ellery had to say in his letter to DairyNZ last week:
I am just a normal hardworking small business owner in Auckland and I have some real concerns about the rural sector in this country.
I am an architectural designer, an Aucklander and generally a pen (or mouse) pusher.
From me, as your average Kiwi, to everyone of your farmers – I love them, they are the backbone, the guts and the legs that have kept this country going and will for the next millennium.
My apologies at how every farmer is being treated in this country. It is totally disrespectful to a core of our country and I just feel so sick at the stress that is being placed on every man, woman and child in the rural sector.
We are not all like that. In fact, I think most good Kiwis love our rural brothers and sisters and it hurts me to think they are hurting from the stress that is being placed on them.
I had one man's stress on me. I can't imagine having the feeling the Government and the country is against you.
It is not.
We love you all. Please keep going. Please keep being the people you are, the real Kiwis and I promise the next time I am coming past a farm and see one of you out there I will stop and shake your hand and thank you for being you.
Love,
Mark and the entire Ellery Family.
Where to get help:
Rural Support Trust: 0800 787 254
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 (available 24/7)
Suicide Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO) (available 24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633
Kidsline: 0800 543 754 (available 24/7)
Whatsup: 0800 942 8787 (1pm to 11pm)
Depression helpline: 0800 111 757 (available 24/7)
If it is an emergency and you feel like you or someone else is at risk, call 111.