This rural-based community fundraising programme began in March 1994, founded by Derek Tuck, after he was inspired by such a fundraising idea from rural colleague Gerald Fell, and developed with the assistance of friends and colleagues such as the late Neil Finch, Ron Eaton, and others recruited along the way.

Farming for Hospice involves visiting stock sales throughout region, and buying livestock to be reared by farmers who volunteer to graze the ‘hospice stock’ among their own herds. Once the stock reach optimum weight and are ready to be processed, they are sold, with the proceeds going to Arohanui Hospice.

Now convened by Simon McKay and John McLean, Farming for Hospice has a network of between 250 and 300 farmers, but with more always welcomed.

Each year the programme aims to raise 10 per cent of Arohanui Hospice’s fundraising that is needed to cover the charitable organisation’s operational funding shortfall.