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Otago Daily Times
a day ago
- Politics
- Otago Daily Times
MPs scrutinise the cream cheese latte, among other things
Another Scrutiny Week is done and dusted, although some ministers and ministries came under more scrutiny than others. Take Associate Agriculture Minister Mark Patterson, for example. Under the benign and avuncular chairmanship of Waitaki National MP Miles Anderson, the biggest tension of Mr Patterson's appearance before the primary production select committee came even before proceedings began, from the revelation there was such a thing as a cream cheese latte. It would be fair to say this discovery divided MPs' opinions as much as the likes of the Treaty Principles Bill — and not down party lines either. The Taieri New Zealand First list MP's appearance was primarily with his Minister for Rural Communities hat on, although no appearance anywhere by Mr Patterson would be complete without a mention or two of wool. Of which, more shortly. Mr Patterson's opening remarks emphasised rural communities is not a Cinderella enterprise set up to keep a backbencher busy: last year it reviewed more than 120 Cabinet papers to advise how decisions might impact country folk, as well as engaging directly and regularly with 12 other ministries. Mr Patterson — a farmer himself — said the four main issues he had focused his team on were health, education, connectivity and law and order. Now, it can be argued they are almost everyone's four main areas, but not everyone lives up the road from a school, down the road from a medical centre, has ultra-fast broadband or is within minutes of a police station. "Rural communities is not all about agriculture, it is about the needs of about 860,000 people," Mr Patterson said. Wellbeing — in particular mental wellbeing — was a focus of Mr Patterson's presentation. In the recent Budget the Rural Wellbeing Fund received an extra $2 million to double its funding over the next four years, and the government also committed $3m to Rural Support Trusts. "They have proven their worth, not just during adverse events but also managing farmers facing mental health issues ... there is a real issue with isolation and the issues that come with that," Mr Patterson said. "The trusts have credibility and are well led, we have confidence in them ... a lot of this is driven by volunteers, it is genuine peer-to-peer, farmers talking to farmers. That's their secret sauce and it is us leaning into that and saying you have something here that works, what can we do to help it?" The previous week Mr Patterson, along with almost every MP, had been at the annual Field Days event in Hamilton. There he got to push many things, not the least of which was wool — he and Finance Minister Nicola Willis were there as the not at all coincidental announcement was made by Kainga Ora that it had signed a deal for wool carpets to be supplied to state houses. A week later, Mr Patterson was keen to stress this was likely to be only the start — which was music to the ears of committee members like Mr Anderson, who until entering politics was a sheep farmer. "There are 130 procurement arms in government so there is significant ability to be able to leverage government procurement to assist the wool industry," Mr Patterson said. Scrutiny Week is an innovation of this Parliament and in the run-up to last week's hearings each select committee released a report as to how members thought it was going. The primary production committee noted it had spent eight hours on estimates hearings in 2024-25, and under the previous regime it heard from the relevant ministers and officials for just four hours. Even more impressive was the amount of time spent on annual reviews — up from four hours to 13-14. "Our committee has enjoyed the opportunity Scrutiny Weeks provide to dedicate time to hearing from ministers or entities, with that being the only focus for the week," the report said. "It has meant that we get to drill down on particular matters of concern, current issues, and spending without having to squeeze this in around normal business. Being able to focus on scrutiny, and take our time with hearings, has made the process less challenging than the previous approach of scheduling scrutiny hearings within normal meeting times." So far so good, but not everyone was happy. Opposition MPs — some of whom seem to feel that scrutiny was invented just for them — have complained (and not just on primary production) that they are not getting enough time for supplementary questions. Although not endorsing the idea, the committee suggested consideration be given to having an Opposition MP become its chairperson for scrutiny hearings could help avoid that perception. The social services and community committee (chaired by National Southland MP Joseph Mooney) reported in a similar vein, saying it had also increased its time on scrutiny, but warning its workload was already considerable so it had not been feasible to double that allocation of time. The report also noted that while Mr Mooney had allocated the majority of questions to non-government MPs, "some of us consider that a culture shift is still needed to honour the Opposition's role in leading scrutiny of the executive". The committee resolved to "continue to reflect on this over the parliamentary term," although good luck coming up with a definitive answer. The general tenor of all the reports was in similar vein: great concept but needs some tweaking, which seems a fair call. Anything that obliges the government to fully explain what it is up, to to the people who put them there, is welcome accountability — but it only means something if the level of questioning actually makes someone accountable. In the meantime, cream cheese latte anyone?
Scoop
6 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Call For More Rural Psychologists To Help Farmers With Mental Health
There are disproportionately high suicide statistics in rural areas. , Hawke's Bay and Tai Rāwhiti reporter While many farmers are feeling good about record meat and dairy prices, mental health is still a massive issue with disproportionately high suicide statistics in rural areas. Depression is something Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is familiar with, after his own battle began eight years ago. 'It's amazing how it creeps in. It affects your farm, your family and your entire life. 'I describe it creeping in like a fog – all of a sudden you find yourself in a bit of a mess and you need help to get out,' he said. Langford is grateful for the support his wife wrapped around him, and urges other farmers in his situation to reach out. 'The key for me was getting off farm, spending time with kids and family,' he said. The sector is welcoming a $3 million funding boost for the Rural Support Trust over four years to improve access to mental health services, but it's sparked calls for more clinical psychologists in rural areas. Clinical psychologist Sarah Donaldson told RNZ that through her work with the Trust she sees high demand from the farming sector. 'Our largest proportion for referrals is distress – from mild through to acutely suicidal. 'There are greater risk factors in the rural sector unfortunately – huge workloads, isolation, work and home are all wrapped up in one bundle and there's lots riding on it,' she said. The Rural Support Trust helps farmers access the help they need, which Donaldson describes as a 'lifesaving' service. But she's worried about a shortage of specialists in rural areas, such as clinical psychologists. 'We need more people that have some clinical training that can be attached to rural support or do outreach services. 'There are people scattered around the country but there's no specific channel to train in rural mental health currently,' she said. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey assured RNZ that the government is working on a workforce plan in a bid to reduce wait times for patients needing mental health services, which he said will also have an impact in rural communities. 'But let's be very clear, one of the biggest barriers to people accessing timely mental health and addiction support is too many workforce vacancies,' said Doocey. He said a key factor is the lack of clinical internship placements. 'Sadly, only up to a couple years ago there was only 30 clinical internship places a year. We've committed to doubling that, growing it by 100 percent to up to 80 placements by 2027,' said Doocey. The new funding for the Rural Support Trust is on top of another $3 million over the next four years allocated through the Ministry for Primary Industries, and $2 million of health funding is being invested in the Rural Wellbeing Fund. Rural Support Trust chair Michelle Ruddell said the farming sector has been calling for this for years. 'We are immensely grateful for the funding and it means our rural people will be better supported. 'We are going to be able to deliver our core work – it's one on one, free, impartial and at a time and place that suits them,' she said. Ruddell describes the demand for their services as 'huge' and said a key part of the work is getting farmers to speak up when they need help. 'Looking after our mental health is really hard and it often gets left behind – our rural people not only struggle to ask for help on a day to day basis, but actually don't often ask for help very often for their own wellbeing,' she said. It's a challenge the group is up for, they're determined to reach more farmers in every nook and cranny of Aotearoa.
Scoop
7 days ago
- Health
- Scoop
Call For More Rural Psychologists To Help Farmers With Mental Health
Article – RNZ There are disproportionately high suicide statistics in rural areas. , Hawke's Bay and Tai Rāwhiti reporter While many farmers are feeling good about record meat and dairy prices, mental health is still a massive issue with disproportionately high suicide statistics in rural areas. Depression is something Federated Farmers president Wayne Langford is familiar with, after his own battle began eight years ago. 'It's amazing how it creeps in. It affects your farm, your family and your entire life. 'I describe it creeping in like a fog – all of a sudden you find yourself in a bit of a mess and you need help to get out,' he said. Langford is grateful for the support his wife wrapped around him, and urges other farmers in his situation to reach out. 'The key for me was getting off farm, spending time with kids and family,' he said. The sector is welcoming a $3 million funding boost for the Rural Support Trust over four years to improve access to mental health services, but it's sparked calls for more clinical psychologists in rural areas. Clinical psychologist Sarah Donaldson told RNZ that through her work with the Trust she sees high demand from the farming sector. 'Our largest proportion for referrals is distress – from mild through to acutely suicidal. 'There are greater risk factors in the rural sector unfortunately – huge workloads, isolation, work and home are all wrapped up in one bundle and there's lots riding on it,' she said. The Rural Support Trust helps farmers access the help they need, which Donaldson describes as a 'lifesaving' service. But she's worried about a shortage of specialists in rural areas, such as clinical psychologists. 'We need more people that have some clinical training that can be attached to rural support or do outreach services. 'There are people scattered around the country but there's no specific channel to train in rural mental health currently,' she said. Mental Health Minister Matt Doocey assured RNZ that the government is working on a workforce plan in a bid to reduce wait times for patients needing mental health services, which he said will also have an impact in rural communities. 'But let's be very clear, one of the biggest barriers to people accessing timely mental health and addiction support is too many workforce vacancies,' said Doocey. He said a key factor is the lack of clinical internship placements. 'Sadly, only up to a couple years ago there was only 30 clinical internship places a year. We've committed to doubling that, growing it by 100 percent to up to 80 placements by 2027,' said Doocey. The new funding for the Rural Support Trust is on top of another $3 million over the next four years allocated through the Ministry for Primary Industries, and $2 million of health funding is being invested in the Rural Wellbeing Fund. Rural Support Trust chair Michelle Ruddell said the farming sector has been calling for this for years. 'We are immensely grateful for the funding and it means our rural people will be better supported. 'We are going to be able to deliver our core work – it's one on one, free, impartial and at a time and place that suits them,' she said. Ruddell describes the demand for their services as 'huge' and said a key part of the work is getting farmers to speak up when they need help. 'Looking after our mental health is really hard and it often gets left behind – our rural people not only struggle to ask for help on a day to day basis, but actually don't often ask for help very often for their own wellbeing,' she said. It's a challenge the group is up for, they're determined to reach more farmers in every nook and cranny of Aotearoa.
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Primary Sector-Government Partnership To Boost Rural Health And Resilience
Press Release – New Zealand Government The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who has been a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health. Minister of Agriculture Minister of Forestry The Government is stepping up support for rural New Zealand with a $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund to expand investment in community-based initiatives, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. 'The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who has been a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health,' Mr McClay says. The contestable fund to drive rural health and community resilience will prioritise initiatives that have strong local backing and secure co-funding from industry or regional partners. It will support new and existing initiatives like Surfing for Farmers, Farmstrong, NZ Young Farmers, FirstMate and many more. A five-member panel with representation from the primary sector will be established to assess project applications. Projects must demonstrate strong local delivery, provide clear benefits to rural people, and ability to attract co-investment from industry and sector partners. 'We're backing the people on the ground who are already doing great work—this fund is about scaling up, reaching further, and removing barriers for rural communities to lead their own wellbeing efforts,' Mr McClay says. This fund brings the Government's total investment in rural resilience and mental health to more than $11 million over the next four years. 'This package is about ensuring the farmers and growers who generate our export income, create jobs, and sustain our regions have the support they need to thrive,' Mr McClay says. 'When rural New Zealand is well, New Zealand does well,' Mr McClay says. In addition to the Rural Wellbeing Fund, the Government has confirmed: $6 million over four years for Rural Support Trusts across the country; An extra $1 million in 2025 for frontline rural mental wellbeing services; $400,000 in grants for A&P shows that foster rural connection and pride; and $250,000 to support the expanded outreach work of Rural Women New Zealand in 2025/26. Expressions of interests for project funding are now open. For more information, visit
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Primary Sector-Government Partnership To Boost Rural Health And Resilience
Press Release – New Zealand Government The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who has been a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health. Minister of Agriculture Minister of Forestry The Government is stepping up support for rural New Zealand with a $4 million Rural Wellbeing Fund to expand investment in community-based initiatives, Agriculture and Forestry Minister Todd McClay announced today at Fieldays. 'The establishment of this fund is a result of advocacy by Federated Farmers Chair, Wayne Langford, who has been a long-time champion of rural wellbeing and mental health,' Mr McClay says. The contestable fund to drive rural health and community resilience will prioritise initiatives that have strong local backing and secure co-funding from industry or regional partners. It will support new and existing initiatives like Surfing for Farmers, Farmstrong, NZ Young Farmers, FirstMate and many more. A five-member panel with representation from the primary sector will be established to assess project applications. Projects must demonstrate strong local delivery, provide clear benefits to rural people, and ability to attract co-investment from industry and sector partners. 'We're backing the people on the ground who are already doing great work—this fund is about scaling up, reaching further, and removing barriers for rural communities to lead their own wellbeing efforts,' Mr McClay says. This fund brings the Government's total investment in rural resilience and mental health to more than $11 million over the next four years. 'This package is about ensuring the farmers and growers who generate our export income, create jobs, and sustain our regions have the support they need to thrive,' Mr McClay says. 'When rural New Zealand is well, New Zealand does well,' Mr McClay says. In addition to the Rural Wellbeing Fund, the Government has confirmed: $6 million over four years for Rural Support Trusts across the country; An extra $1 million in 2025 for frontline rural mental wellbeing services; $400,000 in grants for A&P shows that foster rural connection and pride; and $250,000 to support the expanded outreach work of Rural Women New Zealand in 2025/26. Expressions of interests for project funding are now open. For more information, visit
