The award recognises and honours individuals and groups that have made important contributions to the agricultural community by using their skills to effectively communicate issues, events and information that are relevant to the rural communities and the wider agricultural sector.
A passionate farmer, horse trainer, commentator and announcer, Wiggins became more famous for his work in rural communities over the past year with the launch of Whatever with Wiggy, a weekly Zoom forum for farmers to engage with industry leaders and politicians to discuss issues of importance to the agricultural community.
Whatever with Wiggy was the result of the covid lockdown and Wiggins’ initiative to keep farmers and rural communities connected.
He was a leading organiser and facilitator of the recent Agri Connect rural mental health seminar, which taught attendees the tell-tale signs of mental strain and where to direct farmers for help.
“I am pretty humbled, this is the first time I have really been acknowledged for what I do,” Wiggins said.
“I’m still a bit struck by it really.
“I have done a lot of different agricultural commentator roles and a lot of people have supported me along the way.
“I am passionate about agriculture and rural New Zealand and rural community health, both physical and mental, is driven by strong farmers – that’s what drives me.
“Hopefully, this award will help me do more to help people, rural communities and for mental health.”
Involved with farming himself, Wiggins has the gift of the gab when it comes to relating to farmers.
“I’m in a pretty lucky spot and the honesty comes from the fact I am not here to make money, I just want to make sure the right tools are available to help those in need,” he said.
“When you see the good outcomes, see success for farmers and rural communities, and a farmer pats you on the back to say thank you for what you do – it is gratifying.”
Wiggins is grateful to have such a good support team.
“I couldn’t do this without the support of my wife Annabelle, my two daughters and my Mum, who turns up to help too.”
He acknowledged the Farming Families team of Jayne, Bruce, Frances and Rebecca who have helped make a lot of events happen, and Heidi Sixtus from Manawatū for joining the management of Whatever with Wiggy to keep the wheels rolling.
“To everyone who has supported me and contributed to our industry and let me be a part of your piece of the pie – thank you,” he said.
“This award belongs to all you good buggers.”
President of the NZ Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators Jackie Harrigan says Wiggins is a deserving winner, having facilitated much-needed discussions within the agricultural sector, keeping political and industry leaders apprised of the mood on-farm.
“His passion and advocacy for NZ’s agricultural communities has engaged and connected farmers, industry leaders, politicians, NGOs and the public,” Harrigan said.
“Whatever with Wiggy has been an invaluable communication platform for members of the agricultural community, especially during the covid-19 lockdown and restrictions when many were feeling isolated and overworked.”
Wiggins has played an important role in promoting farming and agribusiness as a viable career pathway for the next generation.
