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Four years. One van. Thousands of rural New Zealanders reached.
In rural areas, time is scarce and doctors can be hard to access, so general checkups often get missed. For some families, that can have devastating consequences.

Since 2022, the Carr Family Foundation’s Health & Wellness Van has toured the country, taking free preventative health checks directly to agricultural communities, at field days, A&P shows, farming events and community gatherings. The van is one part of the Foundation’s broader work in rural health and wellness, education, and community support, run in partnership with our Platinum sponsor Carrfields.

Key dates and locations are chosen around the farming calendar, so the van turns up when and where rural people are already gathered. A Registered Nurse on board assesses blood sugar, oxygen levels, heart rate, cholesterol, blood pressure and BMI, tests that can indicate risk factors for underlying chronic health conditions. All health information collected remains confidential, and a referral is written to a GP for any issues of concern.

The impact so far

  • 2,138 health checks completed
  • 429 GP referrals
  • 56 rural events attended
  • Annual health checks nearly doubled, from 357 in 2022 to 711 in 2025/26

Why we need your help
One van can only be in one place. When events fall on the same day on different islands, we have to choose between them, and communities miss out. Moving the van the length of the country takes time and money that could otherwise go straight into more health checks.

Our goal
A second Health & Wellness Van, so we have one permanently based on each island. One van in the North, one in the South, for twice the reach.

With a second van, we can:

  • Reach more rural communities
  • Attend more events each year
  • Complete more health checks
  • Catch more health concerns early
  • Refer more people to the care they need
  • Spend less on transport and more on healthcare

If we raise more than the cost of the van, the extra funds will go directly towards doctor and nurse expenses and towards attending more events, so every dollar raised keeps working for rural health.

Rural people looking after rural people
No one understands rural communities better than the people who live in them. Have you had a positive experience with the Health & Wellness Van? We’d love to hear about it. Get in touch with us via stacey.mckerchar@carrfields.co.nz. We may feature your story (with your permission) as part of this campaign.

Every donation counts
Whether it’s $20 or $500, your donation brings us closer to a van on each island. Donate here: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/2vans2islands

Campaign Terms & FAQ

Who receives these donations?
Donations made through this campaign are received by the Carr Family Foundation, a charitable trust supporting rural health, wellness, education and community initiatives across New Zealand.

What will the money be used for?
Funds raised through this campaign will go towards purchasing a second Health & Wellness Van. If the campaign raises more than the cost of the van, the additional funds will go towards doctor and nurse expenses and towards attending more rural events.

Is my donation tax deductible, and can I get a receipt?
Yes. To receive a tax receipt, email marketing@carrfields.co.nz after making your donation with your name, email, phone number, amount donated and the date deposited, and we’ll email you a receipt. If you’d like it posted instead, just let us know your address.

What happens to my health information if I have a check at the van?
Any health information collected during a health check is kept confidential and used only to support your care, including any referral to a GP. It is not shared for fundraising or marketing purposes.

What if the campaign doesn’t reach its target?
Any funds raised will still go towards the Foundation’s Rural Health & Wellness Programme, including nurse and doctor costs and event attendance, so your donation supports the programme regardless of whether the full target is reached.

Who can I contact with questions?
Email marketing@carrfields.co.nz, or contact Stacey McKerchar, Chairperson, Carr Family Foundation: stacey.mckerchar@carrfields.co.nz

Our Testimonials

Mike B

When I used the van, it was based at the trade fencing day that was being held at Mosgiel, as part of the Fencing Contractors Association NZ Conference. The night before, I had been for a walk up the hill behind the motel we were staying at. Partway up the steep Dunedin Street, I thought I was actually having a heart attack. I was reasonably fit but had recently had Covid and received a vaccine. The van did my blood pressure, which was the highest of the day. I cannot remember the numbers, but it was scary high. I was told I should get a full medical when I got back to the Manawatu. This resulted in being put on permanent blood pressure medication, with regular checks. A year or so later, I found out I had bilateral blood clots in my lungs, so I have had a bit of a journey to sort that out over the last year. If I hadn't had that short test at the Carr Foundation van, things might have been a whole lot worse. I believe these days, getting rural folk to have a simple test on a regular day out could end up saving lives.

Aaron G

I run a very diverse farm, and over the years I've had some mates affected with heart attacks and other stress-related health issues. You hear about high blood pressure being called a silent killer, and you sort of nod along, but you don't think much of it until it's someone you know. I was at an event and got invited to pop into the Health and Wellness Van for a check. Didn't think much of it, figured I'd be in and out in five minutes. Turns out my blood pressure was through the roof. Came as a real surprise, I felt fine. I'm on medication for it now and getting it checked regularly. If I'd had an aneurysm or stroke, I don't know how I'd have kept the farm running. It's not something you plan for. Glad I took the ten minutes to get checked.