Craig 'Wiggy' Wiggins amazed by generosity of rural Kiwis

Wiggy told REX host Dominic George that despite some horrendous weather, it was still a great turnout.

"The ones that we checked definitely benefited from it," he said.

There was also an auction held at the event, fundraising for rural mental health support, which exemplified the generous nature of those attending the event, further signifying the importance of the work Wiggy and others are doing towards this cause.

"They put $18,000 on the table to go to 'Whatever with Wiggy' and what we are going to be doing in the future so it's pretty amazing to be sitting in the room while they're doing that.

"People were paying well over what things were worth to support mental health. It's just an incredible amount of money getting thrown out and great stuff for people to buy."

He told George that it was extremely rewarding to see the generosity of so many people going towards a cause he believes so strongly in.

"I had to get up on stage and try and speak on the gratitude I had for it, but someone had been cutting onions on stage, my eyes got a bit wet.

"It's not until you start getting involved in this that you realise how many people want to give."

Federated Farmers and the Southland Rural Support Trust alongside a number of other partners are hosting a 'Tips for Tough Times' get-together in Mataura, Invercargill and Tuatapere in a few week's time, where Wiggy has been invited as a guest speaker.

The Business association are also getting involved, to offer financial advice and support, particularly given the recent struggles with rising on-farm inflation and a recessive economy.

"There's going to be some great speakers there on making sure that you're in front of the eight ball on that financial pressure as much as you can be at this time.

"They've asked me to come along and talk mental health as well."