Surfing for Farmers

January 27, 2022

Whitestone Cheese are proud to be a regional supporter of Surfing for Farmers, an initiative that is helping improve mental health and wellbeing in New Zealand rural communities. Mental health issues remain a major concern for NZ farmers from the ongoing pressures on the rural sector. Launched in Gisborne in 2018 by Stephen Thomson who started the initiative as a way to give farmers a break during a busy time of year. The programme has grown and been replicated in 20 other regions including our local Kakanui beach.

The learn-to-surf programme provides an opporunity for farmers to step away from what can an all-consuming business, jump on a surfboard and interact with other farmers on the water. Running for 13 weeks of the year, surfing gear and lessions are provided free of charge and includes a free barbeque at the end.