Coping with pressure and frustration
13 July 2021
Sir John Kirwin will be speaking at grower mental health workshops.
I’m very conscious of the pressure our growers are under with all the uncertainty and apprehension surrounding us. We have ongoing challenges in terms of logistics, labour for the coming season that is actually now underway, and the myriad of central Government imposed changes, which feel like regulation on regulation with the odd sprinkling of unfair tax rulings, utes versus EVs when there is no plausible option for the legitimate users.
HortNZ – in conjunction with product groups – continues to engage with the Government on an almost daily basis to explain to Ministers and officials how horticulture works and what it needs to be successful. I find this situation ironic – on the one hand, the Government keeps on saying how much the New Zealand economy – and environment – needs horticulture to expand but on the other hand, does nothing tangible in the policy space to support that growth, which won’t happen if the Government continues to go down its current path.
With all of this increased pressure and frustration, I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight the Mental Health workshops with Sir John Kirwan, which NZ Apples & Pears (NZAPI) is hosting in conjunction with Mentemia.
Mentemia is a wellbeing platform providing education and tools to support growers’ mental health. The Ministry for Primary Industries is also supporting this initiative.
The workshops are free to attend and are at the following locations:
Hawke's Bay – Click here to register
Thursday 15 July, 5-7pm, Havelock North Function Centre
Nelson – Click here to register
Wednesday 18 August, 5-7pm, Moutere Hills Community Centre
Central Otago – Click here to register
Tuesday 31 August, 5-7pm, Alexandra Community Centre Hall
I believe registrations so far have been excellent and NZAPI has opened these events to all of horticulture, so do participate if you are able. This type of unity is an excellent example of our respective resources getting great results for all growers, fruit and vegetable.
Farmstrong is another initiative in the mental health and wellbeing space. You can check out their website for practical advice and tips.
Hei konā mai