Who Are We?

Manawatu Rural Support Service Inc. is a unique not-for-profit organisation that specialises in supporting the stability and wellbeing of all rural individuals and their families/whanau who live within the rural Northern Manawatu and Pohangina Valley communities. We do this by providing a free mobile, confidential support service visiting on the farm, in the home, schools, early childhood centres and community groups.

MRSS employs two Rural Community Workers (RCWs) who cover the Northern Manawatu area using all-wheel-drive vehicles to assist our access to remote areas. Our RCWs travel and visit either by cold calling or by referral.

MRSS caters for all. Rural people have an expectation that confidentiality is paramount and that their need for independence is respected. Relationships between clients and MRSS workers are built up over time and this enables MRSS to provide an understated service to every household in these rural areas.

By forming trusting relationships the RCWs endeavour to empower and support prior to any crisis developing in people’s lives. Our RCWs visit and work alongside the farming community; they will visit in the woolshed or sheep yards so always carry a pair of gumboots and wet weather gear. The RCWs have well-respected relationships with those living rurally, including lifestyle block owners as well as those living rurally for other reasons.

MRSS Rural Community Workers – Aevryl and Jo

Manawatu District