King Country-Taranaki MP Barbara Kuriger. Photo / Supplied
King Country-Taranaki MP Barbara Kuriger. Photo / Supplied
King Country-Taranaki MP Barbara Kuriger has launched an online petition to save a rural mental health organisation at risk of closing down.
Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand (RHAANZ) had its request for government funding declined by Rural Communities Minister Damien O'Connor.
The petition asks the Minister to reverse his decision and grant the $600,000 funding request.
Rural Health Alliance Aotearoa New Zealand chief executive Michelle Thompson
RHAANZ works to tackle suicide and depression in rural communities. It needs the money to continue its projects, including research on farmer suicides.
Last year it released the Rural Health Road Map — an action plan designed to improve the wellbeing of the estimated 600,000 people living in country areas, and ensure their access to health services.
The organisation has 47 members including Federated Farmers, local councils, rural medical practitioners and elderly support groups.
Barbara says if the organisation receives no funding it is at risk of "hibernating". She says the decision is a blow to rural communities and hopes her petition will make a change.
"I have seen the results from the outstanding work provided by this organisation, particularly around suicide prevention which is increasingly a concern among rural communities.
"You cannot put a price tag on the work that this organisation has been doing for the last six years."
"This is a critical opportunity for Damien O'Connor to show rural New Zealand that he is up to the job. He must save the Rural Health Alliance." RHAANZ chief executive Michelle Thompson says she is disappointed with the lack of support. She says the organisation's financial predicament is symbolic of under-funding of rural health services.
"We asked for just $1 for every rural person, which is $600,000. We believe this is chicken feed in the scheme of things."
