Survey shows rural stress

Press, 12 November 1985, Page 21

Survey shows rural stress

PA Napier About 85 per cent of fanning people in the Pe-tane-Eskdale area north of Napier are suffering from stress, says a rural survey. The survey was initiated a year ago by a Petane Federated Fanners branch delegate, Mrs Beverley Doohan, who was worried about a growing level of stress in her community.

A questionnaire prepared by Federated Farmers and Napier social workers showed a serious problem, Mrs Doohan said. At the Hawke’s Bay provincial Federated Fanners’ meeting, a Napier social worker, Ms Sally Welch, said the survey had shown economic restructuring and market uncertainty as the main reasons for stress.

This led to problems within families, she said. About 53 per cent of those surveyed replied to the questionnaire. All of those surveyed lived within 10km to 20km of a school but many were much further away from towns and services.

The organising committee believed that meetings centred on schools would be a positive action, Ms Welch said.

Farmers and their families suffering from stress turned first to the family then their friends. Only 3 per cent said they received help from their church. Many of those surveyed believed Federated Farmers could play a bigger role in helping farmers cope.

Ms Welch said plans were under way to organise a meeting with bankers, stock and station agents, and the meat industry, who some fanners claimed “show a lack of understanding” about the problems.

Older, established farmers were cited as not understanding the financial difficulties of younger farmers.