Opinion: Prioritising mental health in New Zealand’s rural heartland

Melissa Vining, Findex

New Zealand’s rural communities, the backbone of our economy, face a growing mental health crisis. Farmers and agribusiness workers endure long hours, geographic isolation, and unpredictable workloads, compounded by economic challenges, regulatory pressures, and extreme weather.

These stressors impact productivity, retention, and the bottom line, making mental health a business and community imperative.

A 2023 Dairy NZ survey found 48% of farmers reported mental health challenges, with 60% citing insufficient support. Additionally, 25% faced staffing shortages, and 29% struggled to find skilled workers. Labour shortages, unpredictable workloads, and seasonal rostering create a perfect storm for stress, fatigue, and burnout. Financial uncertainty, weather dependency, and regulatory changes further exacerbate the issue.

At Findex, we see how neglecting mental health reduces productivity, increases absenteeism, and causes workplace accidents. Losing skilled workers to burnout is costly, as one farmer noted, akin to losing years of expertise. Recent events - droughts, floods, market fluctuations, and rising costs - have intensified feelings of isolation and anxiety, particularly for small-scale and family-run farms with limited support.

A 2014 ACC study highlighted risk factors like weather, regulations, workloads, and finances. A decade later, these challenges persist, with growing expectations for employers to manage psychosocial risks - workplace factors harming mental well-being. So, what can be done?

Agribusinesses can act without sacrificing productivity. Clear communication and role clarity reduce stress. Regular check-ins, like fortnightly one-on-ones, help managers detect burnout early. Leadership training fosters supportive cultures, while realistic rostering and encouraging breaks during peak seasons like harvest make a difference. Talk about mental health is abundant, but action is scarce.

Findex’s HR and Health and Safety teams provide tailored tools - training, engagement surveys, coaching, and policy development - to address stress and improve communication. Initiatives like Farmstrong and the Rural Support Trust offer inspiring examples, promoting well-being and resilience.

This is a call to action for farmers, agribusiness leaders, and policymakers. Supervisors should review rostering and check in with teams. Leaders must ensure policies address psychosocial risks. Policymakers should invest in rural mental health services, as 60% of farmers in the Dairy NZ survey noted a support gap. No step is too small, whether a conversation or a training program, every action counts.

New Zealand’s rural communities deserve workplaces that nurture both people and profit. By investing in mental health, we safeguard the future of our farms and the heart of our rural economy. Let’s start today.

About Melissa:
Melissa Vining is an experienced Human Resources Consultant with over 20 years working in management, human resources and as a health and safety specialist. Currently managing the Human Resources and Health & Safety Consulting team at Findex, Melissa has held key management roles with reputable New Zealand companies which lead her to specialise in human resources and health and safety across all levels. This year, Melissa was awarded the Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the New Year’s Honours for her role in the establishment and construction of the Southern Charity Hospital in Invercargill.