Horti Boys raise $25,000 for men’s mental wellness in Nelson Tasman

12 local horticulturists including a couple of our very own, have successfully raised $25,000 for organisations supporting local mental health by modelling in fields for a plant-themed calendar.

The idea was kicked around between mates over a beer as they talked about the prevalence of mental health issues in farming, and how they might help raise awareness and funds to combat the escalating problem in our community.

Golden Bay Fruit’s CEO Evan Heywood and Hamish Rush, also known as Mr February and Mr September, joined 10 other well-known personalities in the local horticultural industry including our very own Connor Wilkins (Mr April) and Tiitii Apineru (Mr May). Together they created the Horti Boys calendar 2024, raising funds by selling them across the region over summer.  

Proceeds will be donated to The Care Foundation, a local organisation involved in many aspects of health in the community including supporting a range of mental wellbeing initiatives, and Farmstrong, a national organisation working with local rural farmers to support them to live well, farm well and grow well.

Clare Haycock, General Manager at The Care Foundation said:

“We are delighted to have received a donation from money raised by the Horti Boys calendar. 

“Every dollar donated to The Care Foundation stays in our region and goes where the donor intended. This money will go towards projects supporting mental wellness in the region.”

Multi-award-winning photographer Steve Hussey designed and shot the playful yet tasteful photos of the scantily clad horticultural mates ‘at work’.

For more information on The Care Foundation’s work, please visit thecarefoundation.org.nz

From left: Hamish Rush met with Clare Haycock, General Manager and Jenny Black, Board member from The Care Foundation along with Evan Heywood, Golden Bay Fruit’s CEO to give them the good news and hand over the funds along with a keepsake calendar each.