The 5^th New Zealand Future Farms Conference was held on Tuesday, 12 – Wednesday, 13 March last week in Palmerston North. The event focused on the direction of farming in New Zealand with insights on the Digital Farmer; developing and diversifying on farm practice; farming’s role in high value food; farm health and strategy, and navigating change.

Board Member, Janet Williams presented on the Future of Farming – Navigating Change and Developing Strategy, focusing on developing rural communities to support the future farmer.

Janet talked about needing a significant increase of skilled people to double the exports by 2025, and emphasised the need to work smarter as primary industries uses 50% of New Zealand land and there is no more room for expansion.

Her examples of strengthening rural communities included Farmlands giving free rugby tickets for a Friday afternoon in Te Kuiti where majority of the small towns population had come to watch.

The game between the Blues and Chiefs was enjoyed by all and the Farmlands Rural Legends Shield was taken home by the Blues (Te Kuiti is the home town of the late Sir Colin Meads). Another example she gave was a local rural school, that planned their swimming sports where unfortunately a plumbing fault led to the pool having no water. Te Awamutu Fonterra filled their tankers with town supply water that they paid for to fill the school pool so the swimming sports could go ahead, and was an enjoyable family day.

She spoke of members who helped after the Kaikoura earthquake, and the Aftersocks campaign which sought to help those who had been affected by the repercussions of the earthquake and contributed to a fund for future adverse events relief. She encouraged people to purchase Aftersocks through the website and at the Central District Fieldays.

RWNZ has provided support (through donations and Aftersocks sales) to people in the Kaikoura area following the 2016 earthquake and those affected by the flooding in Edgecumbe, South Auckland and the Waikato.

Janet emphasised the importance of children being the involved in rural community events and activities such as the Rural Games which were held in Palmerston North prior to Future Farms, with a section – ‘KidsnCountry’. With competitive events such as rolling bales of hay, sack races and tree climbing, all children were able to have fun.

She spoke of St Pauls Collegiate School in Hamilton who are teaching years 12 and 13 Agribusiness, and the rural industries and businesses who are supporting these classes. December last year saw this course was accredited as a NZQA subject. Last year there were 37 agribusiness students in year 13, and around 30 went into tertiary agribusiness study. This year saw 93 students at St Pauls College in years 12 and 13 taking Agribusiness; they are part of the 500 students in 35 schools across New Zealand studying the subject. It is expected that 1500 students will study Agribusiness in 2019, these students are the future of the rural sector where they will bring modern approaches, become leaders, and market our value through adding export products.

Janet talked of boarding allowances, bursaries and sponsorship available to those from rural communities and/or wishing to pursue tertiary study in Agriculture or similar fields, including 16 of these from RWNZ. She gave light to alternate study or apprenticeship options for school leavers and those perhaps wanting a career change or gain new skills. Reliable and accessible internet is crucial for talented young people to collect the data necessary for precise farming decisions.

She concluded with emphasising the importance of education and technology, along with having resilient strong vibrant rural people to ensure the farming future can grow from strength to strength.

Dame Margaret Millard was at the conference, and her presence was widely appreciated by other delegates. The conference also provided great networking opportunities.

Although smaller than last years, the Future Farms Conference was more interactive, particularly when Minister for Agriculture and Rural Communities, Hon Damien O’Connor dropped by. It was great to see him take a seat on stage and join in on a panel discussion.

(Pictured: Sticksn'Stones Chairperson Ashleigh Smith with RWNZ National President, Fiona Gower in the UN General Assembly at the CSW62 Opening on Monday). 

 The opening of the 62nd Session of the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW62) was held on Monday, 12 March 2018 at the United Nations in New York. The Commission's priority theme for this year is 'Challenges and opportunities in achieving gender equality and the empowerment of rural women and girls'. The work of the Commission is to review the progress made by governments to improve the lives of women and girls in rural areas.

CSW62 is being held in the UN General Assembly and 175 member and observer states are represented. Along with the member states there are 10,000 delegates from 400 Non-Government Organisations (NGO) attending numerous events as part of the CSW62's activities.

The day commenced with the session being opened by the CSW Chair Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason from Ireland. She is also Ireland's Permanent Representative at the UN. Her address was followed by the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, and the President of the UN General Assembly Miroslav Lajcak. Other speakers included the Chair of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women (CEDAW), a Representative of the Youth, and a Special Rapporteur on violence against women, its causes and consequences.

National Chair, Penny Mudford also attended the opening in her role as Civil Society Representative on the New Zealand Government delegation. Both Fiona and Penny attended the opening inside the General Assembly where only government delegations and selected NGO delegates are eligible to attend. It was a great privilege that RWNZ was represented in person at the opening of CSW62.

CSW62 runs until Friday, 23 March 2018 where it is expected to culminate in an Outcome Document which will capture the agreed outcomes in relation to rural women and girls for governments to implement resulting from the work done at this session of the Commission.

New Zealand also held a side event led by Dr Jackie Blue, NZ Human Rights Commission responsible for Womens Rights. The panel comprised Minister for Women Hon Julie Anne Genter, Renee Graham (Ministry for Women Chief Executive), Fiona Gower, Jo Finer (Fonterra), plus representatives from Argentina and Australia. The panel spoke on the topic of Case Studies of Economic Empowerment of Rural Women in New Zealand, Australia, and Argentina. The session was full with over 100 delegates from all around the world attending the panel session. There was keen interest in our message.

National Chair, Penny Mudford. 

Rural Women New Zealand have released a media release raising our concerns for how data is being collected in this year's census.

(Pictured Above: National President Fiona Gower) 

 RWNZ have responded to the recent news that Stuff is to close or sell 28 regional, provincial and rural newspapers. 

Please read the media response as follows. 

FAIRFAX DECISION WILL DAMAGE RURAL COMMUNITIES

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is shocked to hear that Fairfax is considering closing, or selling 28 regional, provincial and rural newspapers.

“The announcement today from Fairfax that 28 of their mastheads will be closing or sold to instead concentrate on digital revenue is short-sighted and irresponsible at best,” says National President, Fiona Gower.

“Rural, regional, and provincial newspapers and magazines are the lifeblood of New Zealand’s rural communities - many of which have little or no internet access.

“To rationalise rural and smaller community newspapers to deliver additional EBITDA by driving digital revenue shows a complete lack of understanding in the vital role of print in our rural communities.

“This decision by Fairfax means that the elderly and those without internet capability who rely on newspapers for news, public notices and other information, will miss out.

"This significant loss will result in further isolation for those living in rural areas.

“The last thing we need is to starve the rural sector of oxygen by shutting down newspapers, especially since everyday access to internet is not a reality for many of those who live in our rural communities.

“We are already seeing a decline in local and rural coverage, and today’s announcement by Fairfax is yet another lost opportunity to celebrate rural businesses and the rural women who contribute so much to their local community and economy.

“With this devastating news, I can’t help but ponder – what were they thinking?”, says Ms Gower.

Ends

To find the article to which we have responded, follow this link.

For more information, please contact:

National Office

Rural Women New Zealand

[email protected]

Each year, the United Nations (UN) holds the Commission of the Status of Women (CSW). This year will be the 62nd event and is being hosted in New York on 10 – 23 March, and will be attended by over 5000 women from across the world.

‘Challenges and Opportunities in Achieving Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Rural Women and Girls’ is this years’ theme. Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has been recognised as a leading authoritative voice for rural women and their communities, and consequently we were recommended to attend by the Human Rights Commission (HRC).

In collaboration between the HRC and RWNZ, a side event has been applied for and approved. The New Zealand Government is sponsoring this event in conjunction with the Argentinian and Australian Government, and will be held inside the UN. The subject for the presentation is Case Studies for Economic Empowerment of Rural Women from New Zealand, Argentina and Australia.

This panel will include Minster for Women - Hon Julie Anne Genter, RWNZ National President Fiona Gower, Fonterra's General Manager NZ Industry Affairs - Joanne Finer, and delegates representing the Argentinian and Australian Governments. The panel will be moderated by Human Rights Commissioner - Dr Jackie Blue, and also attended by ACWW World President - Ruth Shanks.

A side event is held within the UN complex, and a parallel event is one in various venues outside of the UN complex - organised through the NGO CSW Committee.

(Pictured above: (left) National President - Fiona Gower, (right) National Chair - Penny Mudford)

Fiona will be attending CSW62 as a member of the Pacific Women's Watch (NZ) delegation, and our National Chair, Penny Mudford, is attending as the Civil Society Representative on the New Zealand Government Delegation. Both Fiona and Penny will be attending the NGO Consultation Day, as well as other CSW62 side and parallel events over the 12 days that they are in New York.

Fiona and Penny will support the launch of the ACWW "Rural Women's Survey" which is to take place in New York on 15 March.

This is an exciting opportunity for RWNZ, especially being part of an international forum which will be highlighting the issues rural women face. It will also showcase the ingenuity, enterprise and abilities of our rural women to succeed, how they have overcome challenges to run successful enterprise in rural and remote areas, and how they have become empowered to become leaders in rural New Zealand. They will be able to discuss other challenges facing those living rurally and look for answers which will enable more of our women and girls to reach their potential.

The networking is well underway, connecting with other NGO’s and delegates attending CSW62, with a number of opportunities to give presentations and advice as a leading voice for rural women. This includes Fiona speaking to the Aotearoa Youth Leadership Institute who are sending a team of extremely talented young women.

Fiona and Penny will take every opportunity to report back on happenings over there to keep members well informed of progress. We wish them all the best for their travels to New York.

(Thumbnail image source: www.soroptomisteurope.org)

RWNZ welcomes new staff members, Angela McLeod and Catherine Stabb to the National Office. 

Angela McLeod (pictured on right)

Manager: Government, Public Sector & Academic Relationships
Bachelor of Agriculture, Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies

Angela comes to us from Parliament where she was a Policy, Research and Communications Advisor, primarily in Primary Industries, Outdoor Recreation and Corrections. Previously she worked from home as the Executive & Communications Manager for BPW International after spending four years as an Executive Assistant in Parliament.

She is a current Upper Hutt City Councillor and is Chair of the Council’s Community Grants Committee, Deputy Chair of Policy Committee and sits on the Chief Executive; Audit, Risk and Finance; Legislation; Hearings and District Licencing Committees. Angela is the Chair of the Wellington Region Waste Forum and holds a current RMA ‘Making Good Decisions’ certificate.

Angela grew up on a farm, has a Bachelor of Agriculture and a Postgraduate Diploma in Development Studies. She is passionate about healthy and sustainable living along with her husband Mac, where they enjoy living on a lifestyle block in Whiteman’s Valley, Upper Hutt. She is a strong advocate for the empowerment of women, community development and sensible agriculture. Angela will be known to some of you for her work on equal pay, quality flexible work legislation, country of origin labeling of food, alcohol law reform, and reducing the rates of violence against women.

Civil society experience includes being on the board of YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand, Immediate Past President of UN Women National Committee Aotearoa New Zealand and a Past President of BPW New Zealand. Angela is excited to bring her experience and skills to RWNZ where she can assist in projecting our authoritative rural voice.

If you wish to contact Angela, you can reach her at
[email protected]

Catherine Stabb (pictured on left)

Communications, Marketing and Events Assistant

Bachelor of Commerce (Public Policy, Management)

Catherine is a recent Graduate, born and raised in Tauranga and has now been living in Wellington Central for four years. She completed her Bachelor of Commerce (majoring in Management and Public Policy) in July 2017, and spent five months traveling Europe and the U.K. She is passionate for her community, equality, and having a voice in today’s fast moving society.

Although a city girl, her family have owned and managed a dairy farm in the Waikato for three generations, where she has spent many holidays helping out around the farm. She is the great-niece of June Haultain, an active member of RWNZ who was once National Vice President of WDFF, a PLM, and honorary Vice President of the National Fieldays Scoiety. Her husband Rex, was long-standing director of the Dairy Group. In her spare time, Catherine plays football, and volunteers at local-events in the Wellington region and beach-clean-ups in her home town.

She is a fresh minded, tech savvy young woman who hopes to breadthen our engagement platform through our social media and events.

If you wish for anything to be published in the Express Magazine or monthly e-Newsletter, or have any other queries for Catherine, you can each her by email 

[email protected]

RWNZ has responded to recent media regarding the loss of a working midwife in the Wanaka region. 

RURAL WOMEN NEED ACCESS TO MIDWIFERY CARE

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is very concerned that Wanaka is soon to lose one of the community’s two midwives.

“Midwives practicing in rural communities have long battled the problems of geographical isolation in areas where the population continues to grow,” says Board Member and Health Portfolio Convenor, Margaret Pittaway.

“Resourcing has been lacking for so long that rural families are suffering – it is absolutely unacceptable that expectant mothers and their families have been placed in the firing line.

“This lack of resourcing and recognition for the travel costs faced by these midwives results in a work load that is unbearable.

“The Netherlands are leading the way in maternal care which RWNZ wants to see considered here.

“RWNZ urges the Government to act quickly to ensure every community can provide the maternity services needed.

“Our rural women, babies, and communities are in desperate need of support,” says Mrs Pittaway.

To find the article to which RWNZ has responded, follow this link. 

RURAL WOMEN RENEW CALL FOR BUS SIGNS

RWNZ have released a press release calling for changes to be made to improve the safety of children, especially those living in rural areas. 

As schools return this week, Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is reminding drivers about their legal responsibilities and renewing their call for mandatory signage and flashing lights on school buses.

“RWNZ urges the new Government to implement mandatory 20km/h signs and flashing lights on school buses, especially given recent trials have proven both are vital to reducing the speed of traffic passing school buses,” says National President, Fiona Gower.

“Rural children are especially vulnerable when drivers speed past school buses, and children have been involved in a number of serious and fatal incidents.

“We are back into the swing of the school year, and drivers must remember to follow the Road Code and slow down to 20km/h when passing a school bus that has stopped to pick-up or drop-off children.

“As advocates of safer rural roads, RWNZ also asks drivers to watch out for children cycling or walking to school, particularly along highways and main roads, and always remember to slow down to the speed limits indicated in school zones.

“It is time to up the game with keeping our rural children safe – let's just do it,” says Ms Gower.'

For further information, please contact:

[email protected]

It is exciting to have a busy year of activities for the 125th Anniversary of Women's Suffrage, and celebrating the diverse women who have been championing social change in New Zealand?

125 years ago New Zealand women were vigorously campaigning to achieve the right to vote and would finally win that right in September of 1893. Now, as we remember, celebrate and look to the future, the Ministry for Women, Te Minitatanga mō ngā Wāhine is proud to be coordinating activities and events which will mark this significant milestone. These celebrations will recognise New Zealanders from diverse cultural backgrounds that have contributed to progressing women’s rights.

Organisations throughout New Zealand – and the world – are preparing to lead events. There will be range of events for people to take part in and contribute in their way to the celebrations.

The Suffrage 125 Events Page and supporting pages can be found on the Ministry for Women's website and acts as a hub for all Suffrage 125 celebrations. These are across the country and provide a launchpad for pointing traffic to the home locations for each of the submitted activities. 

To show your interest, please submit your events to be included on the page. They will be sharing events on their social media pages (Facebook, Twitter) so be sure to keep up to date with what's going on. 

Hold a Suffrage 125 event

As part of our work, we are connecting national and regional activities celebrating the anniversary under the umbrella key phrase of “Suffrage 125”. We invite all New Zealanders to get involved by hosting Suffrage-related events, sharing those with us and being part of a nationwide celebration of our history and our future.

If you are planning an event or activity related to Suffrage 125 you can:

• submit a Suffrage 125-related activity on our event page
• share your Suffrage 125 event details and other information on our Facebook page (/Suffrage125) or use the hashtag #Suffrage125
• use the Suffrage 125 symbol to help promote your event
• connect with other organisations in your region or city celebrating Suffrage 125.

If you have not already, like the Suffrage 125 Facebook page where you can follow for updates and post your events. 

Bring on the 2018 Suffrage celebrations!

(Image source: www.nzhistory.govt.nz)

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) are saddened to hear of the death of a nine-year-old boy whilst riding a quad bike in rural Waikato last night and our thoughts are extended to friends and family.

“It is very sad, but it need not have occurred. We need to prevent families and friends from the heartbreak of losing a loved one in such tragic circumstances,” says National President, Fiona Gower.

“RWNZ are concerned on two levels, one is children riding age appropriate quad bikes unsupervised and the other is children under the age of 16 riding adult-sized quad bikes.

“Last nights’ incident is an unfortunate but timely reminder of manufacturers recommendations that children under the age of 16 should not be riding adult-sized quad bikes.

“Children do not have the weight, strength or judgement to be operating these vehicles.

“Or if young children are riding age appropriate quad bikes, they need to be wearing a helmet and be supervised at all times.

“RWNZ encourage that anyone planning to use any form of machinery on farms receive training, and learn safe practices.

“It is heart breaking to receive news like this,” says Ms. Gower.

To find the media to which we have responded, follow the link here

Please contact us for further information

[email protected]