A programme to support rural people respond positively to pressure, uncertainty and change
launches in July.

Designed and delivered by the Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) and Umbrella
Wellbeing, ‘Know Your Mindset. Grow Your Influence’ supports rural people – women and men

  • to engage with uncertainty with meaningful action that bolsters wellbeing.

“From new regulations, to shifting consumer markets and adverse weather, rural people have
always adapted to change,” says AWDT general manager and farmer Lisa Sims.

“But in today’s world of supercharged change, understanding how situations affect our thinking
and behaviour is helpful. From there, we can focus on what matters to us and choose how to
positively influence the people, places and organisations we care about,” says Sims.

With a focus on making the science of psychology practical, accessible and enjoyable for rural
people, ‘Know Your Mindset. Grow Your Influence’ is guided by clinical psychologist Bronwyn
Moth of Umbrella Wellbeing and AWDT facilitator and farm advisor Geordie McCallum.

“We’re also working closely with the Farmstrong team, who are supporting us to build and
evaluate the programme and share participant stories,” says Sims.

The programme follows a successful online pilot held for farmers last year, supported by Beef +
Lamb New Zealand. Pilot participants gained an understanding of how uncertainty might impact
their thinking and behaviour, and a plan to identify and focus on their priorities for action.

One 2020 participant remarked that “revisiting my values helped me understand the current
disruption I am experiencing. It made me more aware of my behaviours that are unhelpful when
under stress, which helps me find a more helpful way of moving forward.”

The two-part programme runs across two sessions – an online evening workshop followed by a
daytime face-to-face workshop – in three regions in 2021:

  • Tararua/Wairarapa – 27 July & 11 August
  • Southland – 6 September & 21 September
  • Waikato/Bay of Plenty – 22 September & 29 September

Thanks to funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries, and support from Farmstrong and
the Rural Support Trust, the programme costs $30 + GST per person. Farming partnerships,
teams and families, as well as individuals, are encouraged to attend.

Strategic Partners

Programme Partners

Sponsors