Victoria Cross Recipient Willie Apiata to Speak on Resilience and Wellbeing in Eastern Bay

New Zealand's only living Victoria Cross recipient, Willie Apiata, will return to his Eastern Bay roots next month to speak with local rural communities about resilience, wellbeing and looking after one another.

Apiata, who grew up in Te Kaha and maintains strong ties to Te Whānau-ā-Apanui, will speak at two free Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust events in Awakeri and Te Puke as part of a nationwide wellbeing initiative.

Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust chairperson Miles Mander said Apiata's connection to the Eastern Bay made the visit particularly special.

"We believe it's very special because Willie has such an association with the Eastern Bay of Plenty, having grown up at Te Kaha," Mander said.

"He's obviously been through some very difficult situations in battle, and he's very much looked after his mates. That's really what his Victoria Cross is all about, in terms of looking after and saving his mates."

Apiata was awarded the Victoria Cross for New Zealand in 2007 for acts of extraordinary bravery while serving in Afghanistan, becoming one of the country's most recognised military figures.

But Mander said the message Apiata shares extends well beyond his military service and resonates strongly with rural communities across the Bay of Plenty.

"Farmers often work alone. They need to be resilient. They need to keep connected to their networks and to their mates and to the people that understand and care about them," he said.

The events, held under the theme "I'm good... are you?", are designed to encourage conversations about mental wellbeing, resilience and the importance of staying connected during challenging times.

Founder of Rural Industry Leaders, who are supporting Rural Support Trust with these events, Mike Green, said the talks were part of a wider national series aimed at tackling isolation in rural communities.

"A lot of it is checking in with your mates," Green said.

"Isolation's a big part of farming nowadays. Mechanisation's come in, staff numbers have dropped off, local stores and footy clubs have disappeared in some places, so people are left on their own a lot more."

Green said attendees could expect an honest, often humorous account of Apiata's life growing up on the East Coast, his military career, and the challenges he faced after being thrust into the international spotlight following the awarding of the Victoria Cross.

"For someone who's a really humble person who likes staying out of the limelight, all of a sudden he was front page of the papers worldwide. It had a massive impact on him," Green said.

Alongside stories from his military service, Apiata will discuss the ways he manages his own wellbeing and the lessons he has learned about resilience, connection and coping with life's challenges.

The first event will be held at the Awakeri Events Centre on July 1, with a second event at the Citizens RSA Club in Te Puke on July 2.

Both events are free, although organisers are encouraging people to register in advance to assist with catering and planning.