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Rural Proofing is a process designed to assist central government agencies to identify, consider and take into account the needs and circumstances of the rural community when developing and implementing policy and when undertaking consultation. Rural Proofing recognises that the rural community is an important part of the New Zealand community and that the New Zealand economy is highly dependent on rural-based business.
What is Rural Proofing and why is it important
Rural Proofing Your Policy brochure
Two key characteristics of rural New Zealand (low population density and isolation) could influence the effectiveness of proposed policies.Three areas relevant to policy development are especially influenced by population density and isolation
What makes rural New Zealand Different
Rural Proofing is a seven-step process to identify and assess the implications of proposed government policies for the rural community and to identify potential measures to mitigate the negative implications of such policies.
Rural Support Trusts are a nationwide network that helps rural people and their families during and after extreme weather or natural disaster events that have affected livelihoods. This includes pastoral farming, forestry, horticulture and other land-based activities. Many of the trusts also provide their services in times of general hardship.
The services that the trusts provide vary depending on funding and focus, but in general they offer:
Help during and after an adverse weather or environmental event The trusts work with local Civil Defence and can provide information and assistance during and after an adverse event. For example, assistance may include co-ordinating rescue and movement of stock, financial support, labour, or providing technical information. The level of assistance depends on the scale and severity of the adverse event.
Support during personal, and/or financial difficulties The trusts can help rural people by providing or facilitating referrals to professional counselling, financial advice, farm management expertise, mentors or colleagues from rural backgrounds, Work and Income support, and labour assistance.
To contact your local Rural Support Trust phone:
The Rural Support Trust website has further information about each trust and the services they provide.
The Adverse events page has information on improving individual and communities’ resilience to adverse events, the Government’s adverse events policy, the assistance available after small, medium or large-scale events, and the criteria used to determine the size of an event.
If you or someone you know frequently feels frazzled or overwhelmed, you can help protect yourself and others from the stresses of farm life by learning to recognise the symptoms of stress and taking steps to reduce it.
The pamphlet Coping with stress on the farm? identifies a number of causes of stress and its symptoms. It also provides some practical ways to manage stress, and provides where to go for further information and support.