“There’s a real authenticity and humbleness to Willie,” Rural Support Trust community connector Mike Green said.
“He doesn’t stand on stage pretending to have all the answers.
“He shares his experiences in a very genuine way, and that’s what people connect with.
“He has a lot of mana, and you can see the impact that has on people in the room.”
Green said the first events, held in Timaru, Ashburton and Dunsandel, had already been “incredibly successful”.
National Rural Support chairwoman Michelle Ruddell said the programme was about connection and creating space for honest conversations within rural communities.
“Rural people are incredibly resilient, but that doesn’t mean they should have to carry everything on their own,” she said.
“These events are about bringing people together and reminding people that support exists.
Ruddell said she was proud of the number of organisations supporting the sessions.
“Strengthening our rural communities by supporting their wellbeing is something that belongs to all of us, and that’s why it is so pleasing to see the collaboration for these events.”
The free gatherings are recommended for attendees aged 16 years and over and will include opportunities for informal conversation before and after the keynote session.
Further regional details and ticketing information will be released separately by individual Rural Support Trust regions.
For more information, visit the Rural Support Trust website.