The Institute of Rural Professionals and Generate have launched a new partnership focused on strengthening financial capability across New Zealand's rural sector.
The collaboration will provide members with access to education, insights and professional development opportunities designed to support better long-term outcomes for farmers, farming families and rural businesses.
"Rural professionals are increasingly involved in conversations that extend well beyond the farm gate, including succession planning, investment decisions and long-term financial resilience,” says Jo Finer, Chief Executive of the Institute of Rural Professionals.
“This partnership will help our members build their understanding of these issues, recognise when specialist advice is needed, and ultimately support better outcomes for farmers, farming families and rural businesses."
This broader role creates a clear need for rural professionals to feel confident navigating financial topics and recognising when specialist support could add value.
The partnership is designed to help build that capability.
Kristian James, Head of Distribution at Generate, says rural professionals are often among the most trusted advisers in their clients’ lives, supporting families through decisions that shape both their farms and their financial futures.
“What attracted us to this partnership is a shared belief in capability. Both our organisations are committed to helping people grow their knowledge, develop new skills and make informed decisions.
“We believe stronger rural professionals help create stronger farming businesses, stronger communities and stronger financial futures for New Zealand.”
Through the partnership, members will have access to educational content, financial capability resources, and opportunities to develop their expertise further.
This includes pathways into formal financial qualifications for those interested in expanding their professional skill set.
Together, the Institute and Generate aim to give rural professionals practical knowledge and resources they can draw on when supporting the long-term financial wellbeing of farmers, farming families and rural businesses.