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in this is s u e . . .

• Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009

• RWNZ National Conference

• The Future of Wool

• Otago Central Rail Trail

O F F I C I A L J O U R N A L O F R U R A L W O M E N N E W Z E A L A N D • June 2009

To r a C o a s t a l W a l k w i n s
RW N Z E n t e r p r i s i n g R u r a l
Wo man Award 2009

The Tora Coastal Walk has been


named as the inaugural winner
of the Rural Women New Zealand
Enterprising Rural Woman Award
2009.
Pictured at left are business
p a r t n e r s K at h E l wo r t hy, J e n ny
Bargh and K iri Elwor thy, along
w i t h R W N Z N a t i o n a l Pre s i d e n t
M a r g a r e t C h a p m a n a n d To n y
Arthur of BNZ (gold sponsor),
during the Award ceremony held
at Parliament on 15 May.

Strengthening Rural Communities Page 1


national conference 2009 Address from our President
The theme of our are expected from policy and legislation, the process may have
conference this year to look different to achieve them. Rural Women New Zealand
is Diversity in Action can provide that link.
– Thriving in Times
of Change. Diversity It was regrettable that the role of Minister for Rural Affairs was
is an integral part of discontinued and we will continue advocating strongly for its
rural New Zealand re-instatement.
and RWNZ is very It is interesting that we have been told there is no need for
much to the forefront a Minister of Rural Affairs because the present Minister of
– inclusive and Agriculture is a farmer and he knows all about living in a rural
welcoming of all. community, and that there are others in the National led
A snapshot of government who are likewise.
o u r o rg a n i s at i o n
That is like saying that because the Minister of Justice is a lawyer
indicates how we
and there are other lawyers in caucus there is no need for a
RWNZ National President, have epitomized this
Solicitor General. Likewise many MP’s have played or still do
Margaret Chapman theme in our 84 year
play rugby and know all about the game – so why do we need
history. Bush nurses,
a Minister of World Cup Rugby - and an Associate Minister?
emergency home
help; postal library service; rest homes; provision With agriculture and biosecurity so crucial to our economy
of boarding bursaries; second chance education how can the Minister of Agriculture have the time to deal with
bursaries; leadership opportunities; influencing the important issues of Rural Affairs - issues such as health,
decision makers on many issues as diverse as education and access to social services.
compulsory dog dosing for hydatids to school
dental clinics ; rural mail delivery and electricity line We are already seeing signs of policies that are failing rural as a
reticulation. result. While we were heartened with the announcement of the
bonding scheme for teachers, doctors, nurses and midwifes, it
Diversity in Action – Thriving in Times of Change is just could have gone so much further. We were in a position
no better illustrated than in the calibre and diversity to advise where this need is greatest.
of the entrants in our inaugural Enterprising Rural
Woman Award. On the topic of high speed broadband – did you know that
the urban service model will receive $1.5 billion while rural
Forty-six women entered their businesses and will receive $48 million. This equates to $480 per person for
showed that entrepreneurship is alive and well in urban and $46 per person for rural. Is this fair? This at a time
rural New Zealand. They all displayed a vision and a when we are being told how important the agricultural sector
passion and overcame difficulties. Difficulties such is to leading us out of the recession.
as no cellphone coverage and ridiculously slow,
inefficient and expensive internet. But they never As for cell phone coverage – don’t get me started. It is difficult
gave up and now run successful businesses - diverse not to feel cynical when the playing field is tipped so far that
businesses - from snail farming, to tourism ventures, rural communities are sliding right off the field.
to a trucking operation, to soap making, to writing RWNZ will continue to support and encourage this government
farm manuals. to make decisions that will impact positively on our families.
Our door remains open for ongoing discussions on legislation
Some of you have asked why we are holding a
that will continue to strengthen and grow our communities.
conference in Wellington. This is the hub of our
advocacy work, where we lobby for legislation that There is another significant reason why we have come to
will improve the wellbeing of rural families and Wellington. Ten years ago after much debate the organisation
communities. changed its name to better reflect the communities it serves.
We speak for over 600,000 New Zealanders who live The launch of the new name was hosted at Parliament by the
in rural communities. They may be farmers (around 14 then Prime Minister Jenny Shipley. A change of name, a new
percent), teachers, mechanics, mums, dads, students, century, a new beginning, with the same values that drove the
grandparents, health care workers, lawyers, seasonal women who first met in Wellington in 1925 and established
workers, home care workers, plumbers, administrators, in the organisation because they wanted to make difference for
other words the other 86 percent who make up our rural their rural communities.
communities. Who else is going to speak for them? Over the next two days members will have the opportunity to
Rural issues are often not understood by policy and decision discuss, debate, and celebrate the many issues and successes
makers. 23 percent of all New Zealand adults were not born relevant to RWNZ and rural communities. Some will feel
here and many younger people today do not have contact challenged by change just as many did ten years ago with
with rural or agricultural environments in the same way as the new name. I know most of you will be excited, inspired
previous generations. Without that rural connection it is and motivated and approach any change in the spirit of the
difficult to understand that although the same outcomes Women’s Creed - straightforward and unafraid.

Page 2 Strengthening Rural Communities


National Conference Opening

national conference 2009


Prime Minister John Key thanked our members for being such bad he said his
passionate advocates for rural communities and for all the Government
work they do. supports the
‘Rural Proofing’
“You have a very proud history of speaking out on rural
programme
issues and influencing policy-making, and the National-led
which
Government looks forward to your continued insights and
encourages all
contribution. We won’t always agree with you on everything
Government
but we will always listen.”
agencies
Mr Key said the major challenge for our rural communities right to take into
now is the state of the economy and the effects of the global account the
downturn, but the Government is positive about New Zealand’s circumstances
ability to get through and emerge stronger. He said we have and needs
not been as badly affected as other countries due to a lower of the rural
unemployment rate, a healthier banking system, and interest community
and exchange rates working for us. when
developing
He acknowledged the importance of land based sectors in the and
country’s economic recovery, and the opportunities ahead. implementing
“Despite the global downturn, consumers all over the world policy.
will continue to demand our agricultural products. Already, Particular rural concerns which the Government is
revenue generated from the agricultural sector accounts for addressing include new solutions to ensure high-
around two thirds of this country’s export earnings and delivers speed broadband connections are available in
thousands of jobs. rural areas, funding Plunketline, making sure early
“We are seeing the rise of large middle classes in China, India childhood education arrangements work for rural
and other parts of Asia. These increasingly wealthy citizens have communities and ensuring DHBs are supported to
growing appetites for high-quality food products.” offer good rural health services.

The Government is committed to doing what it can to The introduction of the voluntary bonding scheme
assist farmers by working to remove barriers to free trade, recognises the difficulty many rural communities
supporting primary sector research and development, reducing have in attracting the workers they need to provide
unnecessary red tape, developing critical infrastructure and essential health and education services.
supporting rural communities, he said. Under the scheme, graduates will be offered student
Recovery will come from individual innovation as well as loan debt write offs and cash incentives, designed to
Government initiatives. In that regard he applauded Rural encourage young doctors, nurses, midwives, teachers
Women New Zealand’s Enterprising Rural Woman Award. and vets to work in hard-to-staff and understaffed
rural areas.
“I understand you’ve had a number of outstanding women
enter the competition from a wide variety of businesses. It’s Mr Key told the conference that to date 15 vets
great to see their success celebrated and highlighted on the have already been accepted into the scheme and
national stage.” applications have been received from 617 nurses, 98
doctors and 90 midwives. Up to 1800 teachers are
In meeting the needs of rural communities in good times and expected to become eligible for the scheme over the

Our patron, Her Excellency Lady Satyanand, presents


Margaret Chapman (Hook Branch) with the Talbot Trophy
for Best International Report.
Her Excellency saluted Rural Women New Zealand on
yet another progressive year, mentioning our successful
fundraising to support Massey PhD student Anou Drefus’
research into Leptospirosis, new initiatives such as the
Enterprising Rural Woman Award and our new RWNZ
Express magazine, saying these efforts will inspire and
enthuse rural women.
She also congratulated Rural Women New Zealand on its work
to raise awareness about school bus safety and the need to
reduce speed past schools. Her full speech can be viewed at:
www.gg.govt.nz/node/1793.

Strengthening Rural Communities Page 3


enterprising rural woman award

The wait is over! We warmly congratulate Tora Coastal


Walk as the winner of the inaugural RWNZ Enterprising
Rural Woman Award 2009.
The exciting Award ceremony at Parliament on 15 May Winners: Kath Elworthy, Kiri Elworthy and Jenny Bargh at the
included presentations from our finalists - Beverley Award ceremony
Forrester of ‘Blackhills’, Jan Bolton of Kaingaroa Roading
Contractors Ltd, and the three principals of Tora Coastal diversify in the face of change, as well as a deep commitment
Walk - Kiri and Kath Elworthy and Jenny Bargh (pictured and passion for the industry she has operated in for the last 22
top right). years and the great team of guys who operate her machines.
The finalists were selected from a strong field of 46 It was exciting to have one of our own members amongst the
entrants, creating a challenge for our three judges finalists. Beverley Forrester has developed her coloured wool
Theresa Gattung of Wool Partners International, ‘paddock to catwalk’ business with a commitment to quality and
Amber Quinnell of BNZ (sponsors) and RWNZ National adding value to the raw product. From her flock of Corriedale
President, Margaret Chapman. Romneys she exports knitting yarn, sends semen and embryos
to South America and rams to Japan, and has two shops selling
The businesses were judged on the rural nature of their
yarn, knitting patterns and finished garments in England. She
enterprises, innovation, product and service quality,
also acts as an international distributor for other New Zealand
environmental awareness and financial performance.
wool producers.
“The winners ticked all the boxes,” says Margaret
Chapman. “Tora Coastal Walk has been running for 14
years, but the women’s enthusiasm is still strong. They
make a special effort to bridge the urban-rural divide,
talking to their guests about what’s happening on the
farm and making it a total rural experience. Attention
to detail and personal touches are an important part
of the Tora Coastal Walk and its success.”
Runner up Jan Bolton talked about the fleet of heavy
plant and vehicles she owns and runs maintaining the
forestry roads in the Kaingaroa forest near Murupara.
She puts her success down to her willingness to

RWNZ member Beverley Forrester (second from left)


brought glamour to the Awards with a catwalk display of her
designer clothing range made with coloured wool grown on
her Canterbury farm ‘Blackhills’.

In presenting Tora Coastal Walk with the winner’s trophy, Tony


Arthur of BNZ acknowledged all the Award entrants.
“It is no small prospect in this country to raise your head above
the crowd and open your business up to inspection by your
peers. I applaud what you have all achieved in your business
and also applaud you for the courage to give it a go. We need
to encourage the benchmarking of success in business, and I
Jan Bolton receives the Access Homehealth hope that this year’s Awards are the first of what will be a strong,
Trophy from its chairman, Doug Langford vibrant and high profile competition.”

Page 4 Strengthening Rural Communities


School Bus Safety campaign

issues
Stepping up the action on school bus safety and speed past
schools was a hot topic at our national conference.

Members agreed to intensely lobby the Ministers of Transport,


Police, Agriculture, Education, ACC and Health to take a firm
stand on speed past schools by working together to legislate
for one legal speed past rural schools and one legal speed past
urban schools.

At present there is a wide variance of speed limits past schools


with some rural schools falling within 100km/h zones. Individual
schools may request a reduction of the speed limit from NZTA,
which is not always successful.

Members also want action on signage and flashing lights on


school buses, to improve the abysmal driver awareness of the
20km/h speed limit for passing a stationary school bus in either
direction.

Two recent coroners’ reports have called for New Zealand to


follow the United States example of requiring all traffic to stop
behind a school bus that has stopped to let children on or off.

As well as raising driver awareness through better signage and


flashing lights on school buses, RWNZ also wants to see more
emphasis on enforcement of the current 20km/h law.

We have recently held discussions with Transport Engineering


Research New Zealand Limited (TERNZ) which is producing
a report for the Government on ways to improve school bus
safety.

Rural Women New Zealand has prepared resources and


National President Margaret Chapman takes RWNZ’s
information for communities to help themselves to install
better signage and flashing lights on school buses, which we are School Bus Safety campaign to the Christchurch Show
happy to pass on to bus companies, schools and communities
on request.

Creative Thinking in Science and Agriculture


Dr Jacqueline Rowarth, competition, bonuses, fear and streamlined organisations
Director of Massey somehow nurture innovation.
Agriculture, gave a thought-
provoking presentation Dr Rowarth says engaging your workforce can lift productivity
on our conference theme by 40 percent, but young workers today need more regular,
“Diversity in Action – informal and timely feedback and clear discussions outlining
T h r i v i n g i n Ti m e s o f how their input affects the bottom line.
Change”. Between 1999 and 2006 there was a big increase in tertiary
She said in order to be students studying arts, and a drop or stall in those studying
innovative we need sciences and agriculture, due in part to the public value given
diversity of thought and to the arts and a funding boost in recent years.
action. “We must value the She says we need to encourage people to make subject and
wayward thinker.” career choices in areas that will help New Zealand, by offering
Instead our emphasis career benefits and recognition, and acknowledging the
o n ‘m a n ag e r i a l is m’ i s creative aspects of jobs in science and agriculture.
blocking out diversity in As the global population balloons to nine billion, food
thought and innovation. demand is destined to climb and challenges ahead will require
People get caught up in innovative problem solving relating to more intensive land use,
a series of myths: that climate variation and border issues.
creative people are the
only creative thinkers; that She says these messages need to be given to young people
pressures such as deadlines, entering the workforce and Wellington’s policymakers.

Strengthening Rural Communities Page 5


national conference 2009
Clean Green and Luxurious by Liz Eva ns

Theresa Gattung ran a popular pre-conference workshop on the future of New


Zealand’s wool industry
Theresa Gattung from 70 million to 33 million with no slowdown in sight, mostly
loves wool and because of “unacceptable returns to growers.” Competition and
believes that the rest innovative marketing by promoters of synthetic manufacturers
of the world should have seen unbranded nylon carpets in the USA selling for more
love it too, especially than quality wool carpets.
New Zealand wool.
Key elements of WPI’s recovery strategy are to unify the NZ wool
Speaking at the growers, consolidate the clip to stop individual growers being
“Wool - Does it have “picked off ” by the auction system, collaborating with industry
a Future?” workshop and innovative marketing.
at our national
conference, Theresa To achieve this WPI is working to establish both an integrated
urged delegates to supply chain and a means for greater collectivism, and to develop
continue promoting the best marketing structure possible.
wool by “weaving a “To realise the true value of NZ wool, we need to link growers
new luxury story to the market.”
direct from nature”.
WPI is currently handling about 40 percent of the national clip
Former Telecom and would like a lot more of the 120 million kilograms produced
Theresa Gattung of Wool CEO, and now head here annually. Consumers and manufacturers also have a large
Partners International of Wool Partners contribution to make towards the success of wool.
International (WPI),
Ms Gattung has “We need more price distinction between best and worst quality
embarked on an industry road show around the country wools,” Ms Gattung said.
talking to farmers and customers about the future of “We need distinct marketing of wool as fashion apparel,
the fibre. With the current low returns for growers, a carpeting and interior decorating products, and it needs to
fragmented market and competition from synthetic be promoted as reconnecting with nature. All NZ should
fibres, remaining positive about wool takes effort. But it celebrate wool and individually everyone can do something to
is an effort that she is sure is worth the trouble. promote it”, Theresa Gattung said. Rural Women New Zealand
Although New Zealand wool is the highest quality in is promoting and celebrating 2009 as the “International Year
the world, sheep numbers in recent times have fallen of Natural Fibre”.

Associated Country Women of the World news


$730 was collected at national conference for the ACWW
‘Pennies for Friendship’ scheme. Pennies for Friendship
began in 1936, with the suggestion that every member
would give the smallest coin of her country once a year in
addition to her society dues.

Nowadays the use of the word ‘pennies’ is symbolic. A


more recent suggestion is that each member donates the
price of a loaf of bread to the ACWW Pennies for Friendship
fund, which would relate the donation back to an individual
country’s cost of living. The money is used for a wide variety
of projects in developing countries, including installing
clean running water, or giving children the opportunity to
attend school.

At national conference Margaret Springett of Meremere Ohangai For World Rural Women’s Day last October, Mid East
branch in Taranaki sold beautiful paua jewellery she had made, raising Southland Provincial members enjoyed an event with guest
$440 for an ACWW project to assist South American women to set up speaker Jo Morgan.
a jewellery making venture. Over $350 was raised for a Rural Women Development
Initiative in Papua New Guinea, where 35 farmers put on
The next ACWWWorld Conference will be held in Hot Springs, Arkansas
displays over two days to learn about farming and marketing
USA from 21-28 April 2010. Our national president, Margaret Chapman,
goats, guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens, fish and pigs, as well
will attend. RWNZ member Margaret Millard has been nominated as
as growing rice, herbs, introduced vegetables and all kind
ACWWTreasurer and RWNZ has pledged its support for the nomination
of fruits and nuts.
of South African Anna Boschoff for the position of Secretary.

Page 6 Strengthening Rural Communities


Beyond Skype and I-Phone

national conference 2009


by Wendy M c Greg or

Telecom set the scene for a futuristic pre-conference workshop Victoria Crone (rt)
by producing a bag full of brand new not-yet-for-sale mobile The challenge for
phones for members to ‘play’ with, when Wellington’s notorious telecommuni-
weather delayed the arrival of Victoria Crone’s plane. cation companies is to bring together the
tools, new innovations and various threads of
Telecom’s Head of Office, Victoria Crone said that communication
technology in a way that consumers find practical
is central in the creation and continuance of sustainable
and usable. Telecom says it is striving to do this by
communities. Telecom’s vision is that by 2011 all communities
getting senior staff out into the community, where
with more than 500 ‘lines’ will have access to high speed
they are spending up to half a day a week alongside
broadband. In sharp contrast, Victoria says Germany is setting
customers and finding out how they use technology.
its goal at all cities with more than 150,000 people!
Victoria Crone says as key decision makers it is
She says across the globe people are demanding a more particularly important Telecom understands what
personalised television experience meaning pre-recorded, women want.
ad-free and multi-channel. But she says they also want to She says one exciting development is working with
streamline their technology, so that fewer appliances can do a New Zealand programmer to provide reasonably
more. She says it is logical that mobile phones, televisions and priced internet products such as automated bank
personal computers combine in some way, and predicts that reconciliations, kitset web-site products and
consumers will see big changes within five years. computer linked virus monitoring.

Bursaries and Textbook Grants Join us in strengthening rural communities


Rural Women New Zealand recently gave out the following
bursaries and textbook grants:
Rural Women New Zealand
Tertiary Rebekah Purton, Whangarei
Ashley Oliver, Takapau Corporate Membership
Ethan Register, Wakefield
$100 plus GST pa
Textbook/Resource grants
Penelope Brynes, West Melton Individual membership
Rebecca Mills, Martinborough
Daniel Severinsen, Takapau $30 inc GST pa
Kodi Campbell, Inglewood
For further information
Rebecca Jury, Stratford
email: enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz
Education Fund Lynmarie Wood, Port Waikato

Strengthening Rural Communities Page 7


Rail Trail Fun, Fitness and Friendship

The Rural Women ladies did it again


They sorted a challenge for us
To go where the train had gone before
For a group of 80 plus.
They said meet us at Clyde
For a walk or a ride
And you’ll see some of Otago’s best.
Scenery golden and much more too,
But only at Middlemarch can you rest.
Fitness and Fun and Friendship too
Were all on the weekend’s agenda.
Result of which, would leave butt and foot feeling oh
ever so tender. ‘Camp Mum’ and event organiser, Pat Macaulay, gave this
April’s Triple ‘F’ Challenge a triple ‘A’ rating of ‘active, awesome
Entertainment was great, food was grand and amazing!’
The weather definitely fantastic. There were many highlights along the Otago Central Rail Trail
Beats sitting at home, darning the socks for the 80 participants and support crew, and many personal
Or fixing our knicker elastic! achievements.
Bike shorts and trackies, crowns and bling Riders and walkers came from as far as Australia and the North
Made the dress code ever so easy. Island with couples, mothers and daughters, and parents
But the gradual hill climb on day two and children taking part. The youngest was a six year old
who cycled from Clyde to Omakau on day one of the three
Made the breath just a little bit wheezy day challenge.
Thanks to the organisers and supporters too An Anzac Day service at Omakau was a highlight, when
Who will never really know what we all got up to. the participants remembered earlier members’ war efforts,
Memories were made, secrets told, including raising funds to buy a Spitfire.
Friendship that’ll last for ever. Opera singer and Maniototo farmer identity David McAtamney
Stories will fly at branch meetings we’re sure serenaded the cyclists with ‘On a Clear Day’ as they pedalled
off on their final morning towards Middlemarch, where the
With tales told of our great times together. local Plunket group met them with well deserved bubbles
- By Marianne Gemmell, Umutaroa RWNZ and food.

Official Journal of Rural Women New Zealand • PO Box 12021, Wellington • Tel 04 473 5524 • Fax 04 472 8946

Email enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz • www.ruralwomen.org.nz • ISSN no 1171-4425

Editor: Head Office, PO Box 12021 Wellington • Printer: Precise Print & Design, Paraparaumu

Page 8 Strengthening Rural Communities

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