Entertainment
Comedian Wilson Dixon is set to headline an event in Southland designed to get farmers off their farms and laughing.
Farmstrong has announced plans to hold five further comedy shows across New Zealand following its first sell-out show in the Waikato.
The Southland comedy night will be held at the Winton Memorial Hall on Friday 9th November.
“This event will bring a bit of joy to a busy time of the year. It’s awesome,” said Nightcaps Young Farmers chair Andrew Cowie.
“We’re flat out from September until Christmas, so it’ll be good to get off the farm, let our hair down and have a few laughs.”
The Southland comedy show will feature popular comedians Nick Rado, Wilson Dixon, Tarun Mohanbhai and Tevita Manukia.
“This event is for farmers – young and old, rural professionals and supporters of the rural community,” said Michelle Stevens from Farmstrong.
“Our first comedy night in the Waikato was a huge hit. People really appreciate being able to switch off for a few hours and have a laugh.”
The show’s being supported by the Rural Support Trust, alongside Farmstrong and NZ Young Farmers.
“Farmstrong promotes rural wellness and shares simple tips and advice on looking after yourself,” said Michelle.
“Bringing communities together at events like this is one of the ways we can do that.”
Figures released last month by the Chief Coroner reveal New Zealand’s suicide rate has risen for the fourth year in a row.
The provisional statistics show 668 people took their own lives in the 2017/18 year.
The highest number of suicides were recorded in 20-24 age group.
“The figures are tragic and a major concern. They highlight just how important it is for people to ensure they don’t neglect their own wellbeing,” said NZ Young Farmers member Jessie Waite.
Tickets are $20 each, with all proceeds going directly to Farmstrong.
NZ Young Farmers is helping to organise the event. Tickets are available by visiting youngfarmers.co.nz/nzyf
Farmstrong comedy nights are also being held in Northland, Taranaki, central Hawke’s Bay and Otago.