Pāmu (Landcorp Farming Limited) is supporting three national charities this year, Meat the Need, Rural Change (Will to Live), and the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme, which align with its focus on people and wellbeing.
“As New Zealand’s largest farmer, we are very conscious of our responsibilities to our people and communities,” says Pāmu CEO Mark Leslie.
“Our strategic pillars include being a leader in health, safety, and well-being, as well as supporting the communities in which we farm.
“These three organisations are doing great mahi across the country. While we have supported IHC for decades, we became involved with Meat the Need at its inception in 2019, and this year we’ve agreed to support Rural Change in recognition of the work they are doing on the rural well-being coalface, particularly post-Cyclone Gabrielle.
“We are proud to back these organisations who align well with our company values and are also innovating and leading positive change.”
Meat the Need is dedicated to New Zealand farmers feeding New Zealand families. The organisation works with farmers, processors, and established food banks and missions to get mincemeat to families who face food uncertainty. Founder Wayne Langford says that the $25,000 donation from Pāmu means 21,300 mince meals to fill tummies. Pāmu has also been running a competition amongst its staff nationwide, for their best mince recipes. These will be included in food boxes in selected regions.
Rural Change (Will to Live) is focused on getting farmers and rural people dedicated psychological help when they need it. Pāmu is one of their largest sponsors, with a $12,500 donation, meaning 125 farmers can get professional help.
“Rural Change fills a vital gap in rural well-being, and since the cyclones, demand has outstripped their ability to help,” says Mark Leslie. “Stress and burnout are real risks for our rural communities, and it takes courage to reach out for help. It is very important to Pāmu to be part of these conversations and support the organisations who are at the coalface of farmer mental wellbeing.”
The IHC Calf and Rural Scheme has supported people with intellectual disabilities living in rural areas for more than 40 years. Pāmu farms are donating 41 calves from dairying operations across the motu, with a potential value of up to $20,000 depending on their final weight.
“Pāmu, formally the New Zealand Department of Lands and Survey, was involved in supporting the scheme since its inception in Waikato 41 years ago,” says Mark Leslie. “IHC is one of the original stalwarts of rural community support and we are proud to continue our long association.”
As well as these three national organisations, Pāmu also supports local communities where it farms. Recent local sponsorships have included rural school buses, uniforms for sports teams, dog trials, shearing competitions, and native tree plantings.
About Pāmu
Pāmu is the brand name for Landcorp Farming Limited, a State-Owned Enterprise with more than 100 farms across the motu. Pāmu strives to be a leader in New Zealand agriculture; running as a profitable and efficient business, with an emphasis on sustainability, innovation, and as a safe, responsible employer. Pāmu places a great emphasis on being a part of strong, vibrant, rural communities.
About Rural Change
The mission of Rural Change is to educate, support and inspire people’s health and happiness through funding health professional services for rural New Zealand. Previously Will to Live, the programme promotes mental health awareness, providing one on one support, free education, and well-being tools to small rural communities, often isolated from mental health resources.
About Meat the Need
Meat the Need is a three-year-old charity that is farmer founded and farmer-led, connecting the dots between farmers who want to donate produce and families in need. Premium mince and milk is donated by farmers and given to food banks and community organisations; those already on the frontlines of food insecurity in Aotearoa. Through them, the protein is given to families that need it.
About IHC Calf & Rural
IHC’s Calf & Rural Scheme has been raising money to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families in rural areas of New Zealand for 40 years. Farmers pledge livestock and when they are
sold the sale price is donated to IHC. IHC advocates for the rights, inclusion, and welfare of all people with intellectual disabilities and supports them to live satisfying lives in the community.