Facing the future on the farm with advance care planning

Farmers in Aotearoa have to be prepared for anything – from the ever-changing weather to issues with stock, crops and machinery.  

With advance care planning they can also prepare themselves and their loved ones for any significant changes in their health.  

Rolleston farmer Thomas Mitchell is the face of April for the tō tātou reo advance care planning Kia whakarite: Be prepared campaign and will appear in posters around the motu.  

Thomas runs cattle, grazes horses and owns a business supplying steel cattle and sheep yards. He also has a young family (partner Jerrica and two-year-old son Carter) and is now turning his mind to how he might support them if something happened to him.  

‘I probably used to take some unnecessary risks when I was younger, but as I have got older and had a family, I realise they are in a whole lot of trouble if I get injured and am unable to work. I am a lot more careful now and have plans in place should I have a serious injury or illness,’ he said.