Collaborative Research Initiative Highlights University Partnership in Rural Wellbeing
Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University and Te Whare Wānaka o Aoraki Lincoln University have launched the NZ Women in Farming Wellbeing Survey, a national study targeting women who live and work on farms across Aotearoa New Zealand. The project fills a notable absence of New Zealand-specific academic data on the mental health and wellbeing of this essential group in the agricultural sector.
Announced in early June 2026, the survey responds to the unique pressures faced by rural women, including the combination of on-farm labour, family caregiving, household management, off-farm employment, and community involvement. Researchers describe this as a "triple burden" that international studies have identified but which lacks robust local evidence.
Addressing Gaps in Rural Mental Health Data Through Higher Education Research
New Zealand's agricultural sector relies heavily on the contributions of women, yet policy, services, and research have historically focused more on male farmers. The survey seeks to correct this imbalance by gathering anonymous responses from participants nationwide. It is open until mid-July 2026 and takes approximately 15 minutes to complete.
The initiative aligns with the government's Draft Mental Health and Wellbeing Strategy 2026-2036 consultation and coincides with Fieldays in Waikato, underscoring the timeliness of gathering evidence on rural wellbeing. It also connects to the United Nations International Year of the Woman Farmer in 2026, elevating the visibility of women's roles in global agriculture.
Research Team Brings Expertise from Social Work and Land Management
Associate Professor Nicky Stanley-Clarke from Massey University's School of Social Work leads the project alongside Dr Jorie Knook and Dan Smith from Lincoln University's Department of Land Management and Systems. Their combined backgrounds in social work, agribusiness, and land systems enable a multidisciplinary approach that examines both individual wellbeing and broader structural factors in farming communities.
Dr Stanley-Clarke has noted that earlier work with young farmers repeatedly highlighted the pivotal yet under-documented role of women in supporting mental health conversations within rural families. This survey extends that line of inquiry to focus directly on the women themselves.
Building on Established Student Wellbeing Programmes at Both Institutions
The survey draws directly from prior collaborative efforts between the two universities, including the WellMates and SafeMates peer-led mental health programmes for agriculture students. These initiatives, supported by the Massey-Lincoln Agricultural Industry Trust, equip first-year students in agricultural programmes with skills to maintain positive mental health and seek help when needed.
Women now represent a growing proportion of students in agricultural and related programmes at both Massey and Lincoln. The research team views the survey as a natural extension of efforts to support the next generation of rural professionals while acknowledging the foundational role that women play in rural mental health ecosystems.
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Contextualising the Triple Burden in New Zealand Farming
Women in farming often juggle multiple demanding roles simultaneously. In addition to physical farm work such as livestock management, crop monitoring, and machinery operation, many handle primary caregiving for children or elderly relatives, manage household finances and logistics, maintain off-farm paid employment to supplement income, and contribute to local community organisations.
Seasonal volatility, environmental challenges, and the isolation of rural living compound these demands. International comparisons, including UK findings showing lower mental wellbeing scores among farming women compared with the general population, suggest similar patterns may exist in New Zealand, although local data has been limited until now.
Implications for Agricultural Education and Workforce Development
The survey outcomes are expected to inform curriculum development in agricultural and social work programmes at both universities. Insights into help-seeking behaviours, stigma, and support needs can shape training for future rural professionals, ensuring graduates are better prepared to address mental health challenges in farming communities.
By involving students and early-career researchers in the project, Massey and Lincoln strengthen research training opportunities and foster a pipeline of scholars focused on rural wellbeing. This aligns with broader higher education goals of producing graduates who contribute meaningfully to New Zealand's primary sector sustainability.
Stakeholder Perspectives and Industry Collaboration
Organisations such as Dairy Women's Network, Rural Women New Zealand, and the Agri-Women's Development Trust already provide valuable community-level support. The academic survey complements these efforts by generating rigorous, nationally representative data that can guide evidence-based policy and service design.
Researchers emphasise partnership with industry groups to ensure the study reflects real-world experiences and produces actionable findings. Participation from women across all farming types, regions, ages, and involvement levels is encouraged to build a comprehensive national picture.
Expected Outcomes and Policy Influence
Results will provide the first detailed academic dataset on New Zealand farm women's mental health and wellbeing. Researchers anticipate the findings will support advocacy for targeted services, influence the national mental health strategy, and highlight areas where community and government resources can be most effectively directed.
The project also positions New Zealand universities as leaders in rural wellbeing research, potentially attracting further funding and international collaborations focused on gender-specific issues in agriculture.
Photo by Sergei Nikulin on Unsplash
Supporting Participation and Mental Health Resources
The anonymous survey is accessible via a secure online platform hosted through Lincoln University. Participants can withdraw at any time, and the research team has included clear signposting to support services for anyone experiencing distress.
Recommended resources include Lifeline (available 24/7) and consultation with general practitioners or rural health providers. The emphasis on participant wellbeing reflects the ethical standards upheld by both universities' human ethics committees.
Future Outlook for Rural Wellbeing Research in Higher Education
As New Zealand's agricultural sector evolves with changing demographics, climate pressures, and economic conditions, sustained university-led research will remain critical. The Massey-Lincoln collaboration demonstrates how partnerships between institutions with complementary strengths can address complex social issues while enhancing teaching and student support.
Longer-term, the survey may serve as a baseline for longitudinal studies and comparative research with other countries, contributing to global understanding of women in farming. Both universities continue to expand related programmes that integrate wellbeing education into agricultural training, preparing graduates to lead resilient rural communities.