Paul "Butch" Renton was a perfectionist.

A loyal and beloved family man, a former representative rugby player, a gentle giant to those who knew him well.

He was also a tireless farmer, carrying on the family tradition that stretched back five generations.

And by all accounts, it was paying off.

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Things had been going well on the farm at Maraekakaho, in Hawke's Bay - exceptionally well in the two years before 2017.

Along with his wife Marie, the couple had won the 2017 Hawke's Bay Farmer of the Year award.

But a dry summer, followed by a wet and cold winter, meant things weren't looking as rosy, although far from insurmountable.

﻿Marie was confident they were in a good position financially, and the farm consultant was happy their debt level was lower than might be expected.

​Renton was worried, could not sleep, and was working 18-hour days – getting up at 3am, starting work at 5am, and not stopping until 11pm.

KATE TAYLOR Renton points out his farm boundaries during the 2017 Hawke's Bay Farmer of the Year Field Day. (File photo)

Outside of farm work there was paperwork to do, budgets, end-of-year accounts, the GST.

On Thursday, coroner Peter Ryan released his report into Renton's death on August 2, 2017.

It followed a period of depression and anxiety. Renton had committed suicide, the coroner ruled.

This despite the father of three seeking help for his mental health issues and "receiving very strong support from his wife and others in the community".

The coroner's report revealed Renton's GP diagnosed him with moderate anxiety and depression in July last year.

Renton declined medication, but did ask for something to help him sleep. He denied having any suicidal thoughts.

But when Renton visited his GP again in August, it became apparent his condition was "far greater" than first thought, and an urgent psychiatric assessment was arranged. Antidepressant and hypnotic medication were also prescribed.

Marie said she believed her husband's depression started during his preparation for the field day competition, with his distress levels peaking about a week before his death.

KATE TAYLOR Renton addresses the crowd on his farm during the field day. (File photo)

On one occasion, he became unusually stressed after one of the farm's deer broke his foot during drenching, and had to be put down.

During his psychiatric assessment, Renton admitted to considering self-harm and to being embarrassed people were coming to the farm to help out.

He was diagnosed with major depression, and agreed to continue counselling and take medication. He was due to see his GP again one month later, but died the next day.

WHERE TO GET HELP

Rural Support Trust Free call 0800 787 254

1737 Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor

Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland

Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat

Samaritans – 0800 726 666

Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)

What's Up – 0800 942 8787 (for 5 to 18-year-olds). Phone counselling is available Monday to Friday, midday–11pm and weekends, 3pm–11pm. Online chat is available 7pm–10pm daily.

Kidsline – 0800 54 37 54 (0800 kidsline) for young people up to 18 years of age. Open 24/7.

thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626

Anxiety New Zealand - 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)

Supporting Families in Mental Illness - 0800 732 825