‘Mates’ get together planned next month

Mates of Mates for Mates Tairāwhiti have lined up some excellent speakers for a wellbeing get-together at the Showgrounds next month, among them Matt Chisholm (left) and Matt Holden. MOM4M offers a key ring for people to use on-farm or in work vehicles that gives them the Rural Support Trust’s number at a glance. Pictures supplied

The Mates of Mates For Mates team - MOM4M — is heading to Tairāwhiti on April 19, with an event planned in the shearing pavilion at the Showgrounds.

A MOM4M spokesman said an event like it was seriously needed in a region like Tairāwhiti, that had been continually bombarded with weather events going well beyond five years ago.

“The region is in a state of total disruption across roading, infrastructure and general wellbeing.

“People’s resilience is being tested far greater than before. To give them something to look forward to, I believe, will be good for their wellbeing,” he said.

“We would love to see rural people — from land owners, farm managers, fencers, shepherds and everyone else associated with the rural sector — come along to #MOM4M. Old and young, male and female, everyone will be welcome.”

The event is going to be free of charge and starts at 3pm on Friday, April 19.

“There will be an hour-long workshop on wellbeing and some tools that people can take home with them, followed by some complimentary hospitality courtesy of Silver Fern Farms. It will finish at 5pm — gates closing at 5.30pm.

“There will be two complimentary drinks per person as well as non-alcoholic beverages, so everyone can enjoy the social side of the afternoon chatting with friends and the guest speakers.

“It’s often in these relaxed social occasions that people will open up to a friend or work cohort — that is priceless. We just need people to feel it’s ok to not be ok. A problem shared is a problem halved.”

The likes of Matt Chisholm, Ian Kirkpatrick, Cam McLeay, Wanda Douglas and Matt Holden have been confirmed as speakers.

“This line-up will inspire, educate and entertain the audience, along with sharing some personal struggles that might help people in the audience realise that they are not the only one feeling down.”

Neville Clark will emcee the event.

“He knows the locals like the back of his hand!

“The aim is to help raise awareness of the Rural Support Trust (RST) in the Tairāwhiti region.

“The inaugural #MOM4M event was successful in doing that and as a result the RST had people come forward and put their hand up for help — you can’t put a price on that!”

Everyone attending #MOM4M on April 19 will get a MOM4M cap and key ring.