Mr Chisholm signed on as the Rural Support Trust’s inaugural ambassador in 2022 and has been on a nationwide tour talking about mental wellness and resilience.
Through the tour, he has been talking about his personal experience with mental health struggles and how he found a way through.
"I like the good work the Rural Support Trust does — largely behind the scenes," he said.
"I want people to understand how the trust can help them in their communities, so more people can access their services when they need it most."
He said his key message to anyone struggling with such pressure was to ask for help.
"Instead of having a conversation with yourself, go and talk to someone. Take that first step and life will change. Life can be infinitely greater than what it feels like now. Often the best of times come after the worst of times."
Mr Chisholm’s battles are documented in Imposter, a book he published in 2021, and documentaries Like a Man and Man Enough, both supported by the Mental Health Foundation.
More recently he published The Road to Chatto Creek which detailed his move to a small farm in Central Otago with his young family.
He started the tour in Southland and Stewart Island in June 2022, then headed to the Bay of Plenty, Top of the South, Gisborne, Ashburton, Otago and Taranaki. He has since travelled to Waikato, Omihi and he recently headed to the top of the North Island.
So far, he has visited 30 rural communities and connected with more than 6000 people.
Brought up in Otago, Chisholm left TVNZ in 2019 to farm a 29ha block at Chatto Creek, near Alexandra.
"It’s been beaut returning to my rural roots.
"I’ve started a Southdown sheep stud and I’m going to breed some Speckle Park cattle.
"Life’s busy with my TV work and a young family, but I want to be able to give back where I can," he said.
The event will be held at the Phar Lap Raceway, in Washdyke on March 12.
Doors open at 6pm.
— APL
