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.
2025 is shaping up to be a golden year for us. Not only have we celebrated a Champion of Champions title and taken home a string of gold medals at the NZ Champions of Cheese Awards, but we've also reached another significant milestone: achieving Qualmark Gold Sustainable Tourism Award.