RWNZ Express 2017 02

July 2017 ISSN:2463-560X

Firearms Safety Comes First Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) was invited by the Ministry of Education and New Zealand School Trustees Association to attend a half day sector working group meeting due to considerable public debate on the appropriateness of firearms in schools. This was after a visit to a North Island school by New Zealand Defence Force (NZDF) personnel highlighted the need for clear guidelines to schools around firearms on school sites.

The guidelines will need to cover the appropriateness of firearms in schools, parental consent and in the instances where firearms are allowed in schools, their safe use and storage.

The development of guidelines for firearms in schools is broken down into five stages which will include initial sector consultation, approval of the Terms of Reference, review of the legal framework which will be structured around helping schools comply with the Arms Act and the designing of the best practice

scenarios/case studies that give schools a way to think though and handle firearms situations lawfully and safely. There will be an open consultation process during some stages which will provide opportunities for RWNZ to contribute to. The guidelines will also consider the extent to which the Education Sector provides training in schools, if at all, to students around the safe use of firearms. The proposal at this stage has an approval date mid-February 2018.

As more information comes to hand, the members will be notified.

RWNZ Media Release Firearms Education Programme In Schools (June 13, abridged).

RWNZ is a strong supporter for education programmes in schools on all matters of safety in rural environments which

include firearms use. Learning to shoot under supervision teaches self-discipline, self-control, hand-eye coordination and concentration. The benefit of firearms’ training in school is to educate students and adults to help create a better safety culture on farms and lifestyle blocks.

“Research shows that teaching children at a young age how to handle a firearms safely, decreases non-intentional firearms incidents, resulting in lives being saved” says Rachael Dean, National Finance Chair and RWNZ representative on the Firearms Safety Council and the Firearms Community Advisory Forum.

Onewhero Branch members recently took part in a practical Firearms Safety Day hosted at Limestone Downs. Peter from the Mountain Safety Council and Neil from Rusty Dog Pukekohe provided further training, guidance and ammunition for the day.

The Limestone Downs location allowed for a safe and controlled situation to learn and practice with .22’s .243 and claybird shooting with a shotgun.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Sue Galletly from Waiau received a Community Service Award for making a significant contribution to the community. Sue has been involved in

EDITORIAL

NATIONAL BOARD OF RWNZ

by Fiona Gower, National President RWNZ National President Fiona Gower Tuakau Ph: 09 2329711 Mobile: 0274283884 Fiona.Gower@ruralwomen.org.nz

Dear Members In the past few months, we have had a number of opportunities to celebrate women in rural leadership.

Congratulations to Katie Milne, the first woman National President of Federated Farmers and Lynda Murchison for also being elected to the Federated Farmers National Board.

RWNZ National Office has moved to a new premises, and the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra has leased the entire floor owned

by RWNZ. The new location is only a short distance from the old building.

In April, I attended the Associated Country Women of the World South Pacific Area Conference in New Plymouth. Following that, the Board and I attended the RWNZ WoolOn Fashion Event in Alexandra. Talented designers showcased stunning outfits. The event was very successful and attracted a lot of media interest.

The National Office staff have been working incredibly hard in all areas, producing quality submissions and reports, sharing press releases and information with members. The work they do is really appreciated.

We also hosted Government Ministers and MPs which gave us an opportunity to discuss recent policy work and submissions.

A big thank you to the Lower North Region for inviting me to their Regional Conference, I thoroughly enjoyed the activities and meeting members from the region.

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netball, and local organisations like the School Board of Trustees, Waiau Plunket and the Amuri Dinner Group.

Sue’s most notable contribution has been her involvement following the 2016 Earthquake event when her leadership skills came to the fore, and

National Finance Chair Rachael Dean Cambridge Ph: 021 665 965 Rachael.Dean@ruralwomen.org.nz

Firstly, congratulations to our Past President, Wendy McGowan on becoming an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit, and also to member Rebecca Keoghan on becoming a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

The National Fieldays at Mystery Creek was also a huge success. This year the RWNZ stand was located in the Health Hub with the Mobile Health Surgery bus and other health focussed organisations. The location had a steady stream of visitors and we networked with many industry representatives. Thank you to all the members who visited the stand.

numerous sports clubs including Waiai

Branches and groups will have had their AGMs. A big thank you to all Office Holders who have stepped down for all their hard work. I wish all the new Office Holders all the best in their new roles.

Please support your Area Committees and Leadership Councillors as they bring ideas and activities to your Region. Send your photos and articles for the Express or notify National Office about events to be advertised in the e-newsletters and on social media.

I am looking forward to the National Conference in Invercargill this November.

Registration forms are enclosed in this issue of the Express. I look forward to seeing old friends and meeting new members at the Conference.

Fiona Gower www.ruralwomen.org.nz

National Chair & Social Portfolio Penny Mudford Wellington Ph: 027 246 1936 Penny.Mudford@ruralwomen.org.nz Board Member & Rural Environment Portfolio Janet Williams Hamilton Ph: 07 847 6191 Mobile: 027 272 4981 Janet.Williams@ruralwomen.org.nz Board Member & Health Portfolio Margaret Pittaway Cromwell Ph: 03 445 1201 Mobile: 021 024 89 569 Margaret.Pittaway@ruralwomen. org.nz

she became a valuable part of the Waiau Recovery Hub. Amuri member Sue Galletly pictured on right with Hurunui Mayor Winton Dalley and Councillor Nicky Anderson.

CANTERBURY RURAL WOMEN WEEK Canterbury Rural Women Week in April was a great success. The week started on the Monday with Pauline Blomfield, author of the book ‘How to Keep Kids Safe with Dogs’ visiting Geraldine Kindergarten and PreSchool as well as speaking to a group of interested adults.

Canterbury Provincial organised a trip to Lake Ellesmere and the Ngati Moki Taumutu Marae.

On Tuesday the Mayoral Mystery Cooking Challenge was held in Ashburton. Sincere thanks to the four mayors, Winton Dalley, Donna Flavel, Graham Smith and Craig Rowley who participated. Great fun was had by all. A good crowd watched as the mayors cooked and then decorated and garnished three pancakes. The judges had great difficulty in deciding a winner. The event was judged a great success with all four mayors keen to participate again next year.

On Wednesday. Educating Stepping Stones pre-school hosted an animal safety talk at VetEnt in Ashburton. In the evening in Winchmore a “Men’s After 5 Dinner” was held with guest speaker Richard Loe. The week finished off with a Women Walk the World event in Methven. Well done to the organisers of the week.

Photos: Ashburton Mayor Donna Flavel, author Pauline Bloomfield, Hurunui Mayor Winton Dalley.

Board Member & Education Portfolio Sue Higgins Nelson Ph: 03 541 9292 Mobile: 021 541 534 Sue.Higgins@ruralwomen.org.nz National Office Ph: 04 473 5524 0800 256 467 PO Box 12-021 Wellington 6144 enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz www.ruralwomen.org.nz

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NATIONAL CONFERENCE ASCOT PARK HOTEL INVERCARGILL 18-20 NOVEMBER 2017 Saturday 18 November 2017 1:00pm Registration desk opens 2:30pm Opening Ceremony 4:00pm RWNZ Board hosts National Life Members 5:30pm Enterprising Rural Women Awards Sunday 19 November 2017 8:30am Reflections

communication connection collaboration

Monday 20 November 2017 8:30am RWNZ Business 12:45pm Closing Lunch

Rural Women New Zealand National Conference 18 - 20 November 2017 Ascot Park Hotel, Invercargill

Tours For Partners Saturday 18th November Lake Hauroko to the Sea on the Wairaurahiri River Jet, 8am – 5pm

Sunday 19th November Farm Tour visiting South East Southland, 8.30am – 5pm

Full day tour from Invercargill. Jet boat across Lake Hauroko and then down the Wairaurahiri River, which drops 200m in 33kms from the outlet to the sea. The jet boat experience is 92kms. A thrilling day out with lunch provided. This trip will run with a minimum of 4 people and maximum of 8. $305 per person. For more information, visit www.wjet.co.nz

Tour includes a large tulip growing operation at Edendale, a large sheep and beef farm at Waikawa and a dairy farm at Waimahaka, both belonging to families that are active members of RWNZ, and travel in and through part of the Catlins.

Lunch at Niagara before heading back along the Catlins coast via Curio Bay to Fortrose. Various other stops along the way. $60 per person, minimum of 7.

Monday 20th November Central Southland, 8.30am – 2pm Travel to Dipton, Central Southland to view Southland Rural Women New Zealand’s production forest and discuss adjoining wetland. There is also a tour of Craigpine, an automated sawmill at Winton processing 1000 tonne of logs a day. Lunch is provided. $55 per person, minimum of 8.

Post- Conference Tour For Delegates & Partners Tuesday 21st November

Stewart Island, 8.30 – 6pm

Bus and ferry to Stewart Island. A magic place. Approximately 2 hrs to wander in the town of Oban. Island tour by bus 1 ½ hrs. Lunch on the Island. On return to Bluff a visit to the top of Bluff Hill weather permitting. $250 per person.

Papua New Guinea Delegates For ACWW South Pacific Area Regional Conference In April, delegates from different countries around the Pacific Rim attended the ACWW South Pacific Area Conference in New Plymouth.

Many were interested in the farm visits and learned a lot about local methods for farming. Pictured are delegates from Papua New Guinea on a Taranaki farm visit.

Escalator 2018 Are you ready to step up? We have a way to get you there.

Applications open now

Escalator is an established leadership and governance programme for women involved in primary industries and rural communities. It equips them with the tools, confidence and support needed to successfully lead and govern in their chosen fields.

awdt.org.nz

Development focuses on the why, what, how of leadership through five Wellington-based modules, distance learning, professional coaching and practical application.

06 377 4560

Enter the Enterprising Rural Women Awards Enter the RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Awards for 2017. The RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Awards is a showcase for the success of women operating businesses in rural locations and contributing to their local economy and community.

nursery operators, physiotherapists and adventure-tourism providers.

The competition has evolved over the years to promote entrepreneurship and encourage innovation in the use of technology in remote locations.

2. Innovative Enterprising Rural Woman Award

Winners of the awards have included women lifestyle publishers, honey producers, native 4

RWNZ invites entries from innovative rural businesswomen with a track record of success in horticulture, agricultural, dairy, tourism or other rural sector.

The Four Awards for 2017: 1. Emerging Enterprising Rural Woman Award

3. Entrepreneurial Enterprising Rural Woman Award

Invest in yourself to: Sharpen your aspirations, set your direction Transform your leadership skills Build the confidence to step up Create powerful connections

Escalator 2018 runs from February-November and is limited to 14 women For an application pack & more info visit Email hannah@awdt.org.nz

Applications close 30 September 2017 Strategic partners

With support from

4. Supreme Award Enterprising Rural Woman Award: for standout business success in the rural sector.

Entry forms are on the RWNZ website. Entries close 31 August 2017. www.ruralwomen.org.nz

www.awdt.org.nz

Agri-Women’s Development Trust (AWDT) www.ruralwomen.org.nz

@AWDTNZ

@AWDTNZ 5

SOUTHLAND PROVINCIAL DONATE $5000 TO ST JOHN HUB

Farmers Speaking For Farmers - You Can’t Beat That.

Katie looks forward to continuing to work alongside RWNZ on projects and rural concerns. “When Federated Farmers and RWNZ get together on issues our rural voices are so much more powerful,” says Katie.

“We are heard loud and clear in the halls of government - Farmers speaking for farmers - you can’t beat that.”

The two-day National Conference of the United Nations Association of New Zealand began on 29 June in Wellington. RWNZ’s intern, Melissa Deneau who is working on projects on government, public sector and academic relationships, attended the first day of the conference.

Discussion at the conference focused on New Zealand’s engagement with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), also known as the Global Goals. These 17 interconnected goals guide the core work of the United Nations and seek to tackle global issues, such as gender and economic inequality; poverty; and poor health and wellbeing. To find out more about the Global Goals, visit the United Nations Development Programme website at www.undp.org.

In June, West Coast dairy farmer Katie Milne became the first woman in Federated Farmers’ 118-year history to be elected as National President.

A previous Federation Board member and West Coast Provincial President, Katie was Dairy Woman of the Year and a Rural Woman of Influence in 2015.

HELEN CLARK AT GLOBAL GOALS CONFERENCE

Elaine Sloan & Heather Smith

Southland Provincial RWNZ President, Elaine Sloan and treasurer Heather Smith, look over the plan for the new St John purpose built hub in Invercargill. This hub will bring all St John emergency core services and community based services into one building. Southland Provincial donated $5000 to the hub, as they see it as a very worthwhile cause.

Fieldays 2017

Melissa was delighted to meet and speak with former Prime Minister and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Administrator, Helen Clark. RWNZ is pleased that Miss Clark expressed her awareness of our organisation.

During the keynote address, Miss Clark emphasised that if New Zealand is to help accomplish the Global Goals, our dedication needs to be reflected in budgets and gender inequality must be eradicated.

She also noted that long-term investment in countries is essential to achieving development and peace. When asked to reflect on New Zealand’s 2015-2016 term on the Security Council, which Miss Clark played a vital role in attaining, she stated that New Zealand did incredibly well and provided a model for what a small country can do.

An array of highly esteemed professionals spoke during panel discussions, including former NZ diplomat and MP Dr Kennedy

Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett with RWNZ’s Chief Executive Officer Penelope England, National Party Candidate Tim Van De Molen, Board Member Margaret Pittaway, National President Fiona Gower, Minister Bennett, Lyn Neeson of Shear Warmth New Zealand, and Board Member Sue Higgins.

This year’s Fieldays stand was an outstanding success thanks to the new location within the Health Hub. Mobile Health organised the marquee space to host health services and allied organisations together in a ‘hub’ which attracted a wide range of visitors.

Over the four day event, visitors included Deputy Prime Minister Paula Bennett, Labour MP Damien O’Connor, All Black legend Richard Loe, Enterprising Rural Women Award winner Lyn Neeson, and shearer Emily Welch. Emily is starring in Number 1 Stand documentary on women shearers.

Graham; former New Zealand ambassadors to the United Nations Colin Keating, Michael Powles and Terence O’Brien; and Assistant Vice-Chancellor (Sustainability) at Victoria University of Wellington Marjan van den Belt.

Panellists emphasised the need to create more awareness of the Global Goals in New Zealand. In particular, panellists noted that achieving these goals must be recognised as everyone’s responsibility, not only that of developing countries. The speakers also discussed the importance of focusing on evidence-based policy, increasing accountability among politicians, and conducting more research to inform decision-making. Many panellists agreed with Miss Clark that eliminating gender inequality should be a top priority.

Vanessa Goodman, RWNZ Manager Government, Public Sector and Academic Relationships attended day two of the United Nations Association of New Zealand’s National Conference. The keynote address was presented by Christopher Woodthorpe, Director of the United Nations Information Centre (UNIC).

Herewini, Chief Executive of Te Whare Tiaki Wahine Refuge; Vanisa Dhiru, Vice President of National Council of Women New Zealand; and Dr Zainab Radhi, Dr International Law, Refugee Support. The panelists emphasised the importance of the UNDRIP in its recognition of the fundamental human rights of indigenous people, as well as the reality that a one-size-fits-all approach to the protection of indigenous people is not the solution.

Dr Radhi explained her view of the difference between migrants and refugees. She stated that migrants are of a higher education level and have the free will to choose to migrate to New Zealand. However, refugees are forced to come here because they have essentially lost everything. They do not have the education and the economic status to actually live comfortably in New Zealand.

The conference served as a reminder that we are all responsible for achieving the Global Goals, which aim to ensure the prosperity of all. RWNZ will continue efforts to support rural communities in compliance with the Global Goals.

Mr Woodthorpe discussed the history of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), which concerns the protection of indigenous people and their cultures. The Declaration recognises that indigenous people continue to suffer disproportionately in access to healthcare, poverty and violence against women.

The panel discussion, Rights and Responsibilities: Indigenous and Introduced had four panelists: Dr Valmaine Toki, Associate Professor in Law at the Faculty of Law, University of Waikato; Caroline

RWNZ’s intern, Michigan student Melissa Deneau, was excited to meet Helen Clark at the 2017 National Conference of the United Nations Association of New Zealand.

Support Services: If you just want to talk, or know someone who is at risk, there are a range of support options available, including counselling services: Lifeline: 0800 543 354 Provides 24 hr telephone counselling

Youthline: 0800 376 633 or free text 234 24 hr telephone and text counselling services for young people

Women’s Refuge: 0800 REFUGE (733 843) 24/7 crisis and support line provide advice and information

Samaritans: 0800 726 666 Provides 24 hr telephone counselling

Tautoko: 0508 828 865 provides support, information and resources to people at risk of suicide, and their family, whānau and friends

Thelowdown.co.nz Free Text 5626 watch videos or contact for support

What’sup: 0800 942 8787 (0800 What’s Up) is a counselling helpline for children and young people aged 5-18. Phone Mon-Fri 1-10pm, Sat-Sun 3-10pm Kidsline: 0800 543 754 24/7 helpline for children and teens, run by specially trained youth volunteers www.ruralwomen.org.nz

National Depression Initiative 0800 111 757 depression.org.nz (for adults) 24 hr service For information about suicide prevention www.spinz.org.nz Parent Help 0800 568 856

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FIRSTCHECK IDENTIFIES SKIN CANCER CASES AT FIELDAYS

MELANOMA AWARENESS

Mobile application, Firstcheck was recently

Winter is upon us now with heavy frosts and

invited to join other health innovators in the new ‘Health Hub’ at Fieldays 2017 to use its technology to conduct free skin checks by sending photos of moles to skin specialist clinics around the country.

Making it easy to get a spot checked resonated with Fieldays visitors, who are usually busy on-farm and likely to put off getting a skin check.

“A number of times I heard someone say ‘I’ve been meaning to get this checked for a while’,” says Firstcheck CEO, Hayden Laird. “And luckily they finally did - as we identified 10 skin cancers at Fieldays.”

“For me, it just reinforces how critical it is to make it easy for everyone to get checked, as and when they notice something,” Laird says.

While New Zealand has the highest rate of

skin cancer in the world, a recent survey has shown that fewer than 4% of New Zealanders are currently getting an annual skin check.

Two out of every three New Zealanders will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime, and each year around 69,000 Kiwis are diagnosed with skin cancer.

Even though skin cancers and melanomas can usually be treated successfully if caught early enough, Kiwis are putting themselves at serious risk with such a low percentage of skin checks, says Melanoma New Zealand’s CEO, Linda Flay. “Annual full body skin checks are recommended but any time someone notices a new or changing mole, they should get it checked as soon as possible,” says Flay.

Laird explains, “Firstcheck is now playing a key role in the early detection, and survival rates of skin cancer by facilitating quick and convenient consults with New Zealand skin specialists and breaking down the barriers

of otherwise having to go into a clinic.”

Developed in New Zealand, the Firstcheck app is free to download and skin specialists are charging just $19.95 for the review service.

Since its launch in New Zealand in late 2016, and in Australia in early 2017, the Firstcheck app has been downloaded tens of thousands of times.

“It’s been great to see so many New Zealanders and Australians embrace Firstcheck as a tool to monitor their skin health and engage with local skin specialists,” says Laird.

“What gives us the greatest thrill is when patients choose to get in touch with us to say how Firstcheck has helped them. Early detection saves lives. But it is also powerful to provide someone with peace of mind that actually that spot isn’t something they need worry about.” www.firstcheck.co.nz

snow in some areas, whilst this will certainly brighten up the landscape, now is the time to think about your skin.

Let’s look at the facts: Fact 1 New Zealand has the highest incidence rate of melanoma in the world. 13 people a day are diagnosed with this serious skin cancer.

Fact 2 Over 300 people die from melanoma every year, and for something that is highly preventable these are startling numbers.

Recent statistics indicate more people die from melanoma, than are killed on the roads.

Fact 3 70% of melanomas occur in people over 50.

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE SELECT COMMITTEE ORAL SUBMISSIONS

It is rare in children, but it does occur in all ethnic groups.

All of us are at risk, just some more than others. The high risk factors that may

On Thursday 8 June 2017, Rural Women

Domestic Violence-Victims’ Protection Bill to

victims to be able to access in the first

New Zealand Manager Government, Public

Parliament.

place. RWNZ is also concerned about its

damage or blistering sunburn, a personal

practicality in the rural workplace and is

or family history of melanoma/skin cancer,

opposed to any employers, especially those

being fair skinned and red haired, having

in small and medium size businesses and

many moles, or a history of sunbed use.

Sector and Academic Relationships, Vanessa Goodman, and Executive Assistant, Melissa Deneau spoke to the Justice and Electoral Committee on RWNZ’s submissions on the Family and Whanau Violence Legislation Bill, and the Domestic Violence-Victims’ Protection Bill.

and Whanau Violence Legislation Bill. RWNZ supports giving the Court extra powers to act when family violence service providers raise issues of family violence. This is an effective way of both early intervention and better protection for the victim, such

Both submissions were presented to the

as the proposed changes to the conditions

Committee on the same day, with similarities

of a Protection Order. Furthermore, the

across both bills, such as changes around

Protection Order must not be removed

Property Orders and what services are

unless the Court is completely satisfied it

the not-for-profit sector, being expected to fund what is a nation-wide problem. In addition, we submitted that five days was

Check your skin regularly. Ideally this should be a monthly task to ensure that you can notice any changes. Look out for the signs of change such as size, colour, shape, and/or elevation. Follow the “ugly duckling rule,” a mole/spot/lesion that looks very different from others on your body.

Use a bathroom mirror, or ask a friend or partner to check the difficult to see areas, such as your back. This is one of the common sites for melanoma to appear in men. As melanoma can occur anywhere, enlist the help of your hairdresser/barber to check your scalp, and don’t forget to check the palms of your hands, in-between your fingers and toes, your finger and toe nails, as well as the soles of your feet. Help check your loved ones too!

Check out our information on what to look out for and self-skin check video at www.melanoma.org.nz/ melanoma/early-detection/

contribute to melanoma include sun

The good news is that early detection can lead to more effective treatment.

Fact 5 There are options as to who does your professional skin check.

If you are at increased risk of melanoma, or have had melanoma before, you will be given

Skin checks can be carried out by: •

General Practitioners (GPs) who have a special interest in skin cancer and are trained in dermoscopy (the use of a special magnifying instrument called a dermatoscope to examine skin lesions)

•

Dermatologists (skin specialists)

•

Other skin specialists such as Surgeons.

•

Various mole or skin check services are available. Many use technologies such as whole body photography, digital dermoscopy

and

computer-based

monitoring to track skin changes over time. We recommend you read their websites or printed information, to ensure you are fully informed.

There is a list of some skin check providers at www.melanoma.org.nz/melanoma/skincheck-provider/

Remember: being skin aware and getting your skin checked regularly could save your life.

“In melanoma the difference between life and death is measured in millimetres,” said a melanoma survivor.

in the primary sector to be able to provide flexible working arrangements and that this period should be extended to at least 10 and

AMURI COMMUNITY POT LUCK

no more than 15 days.

Both submissions were well received by the

Present at the Committee were Chairperson

decision to discharge it.

Committee. MP Marama Fox commented

and National Party MP Jono Naylor, Co-

The second submission was on the Domestic

leader of the Maori Party MP Marama

Violence-Victims’ Protection Bill. RWNZ

Fox, National Party MP Maureen Pugh,

supports the right for victims to take paid

Labour Party MP’s Poto Williams and Grant

time off work, to be able to take the steps

When more information becomes available

Robertson, National Party MP Paul Foster-

to move away from the violent relationship.

on the status of both Bills as they proceed to

Bell, Green Party MP Metiria Turei, and Green

However, RWNZ believes there is insufficient

a second reading, we will make this available

Party MP, Jan Logie, who introduced the

focus on ensuring there are services for

to the members.

www.ruralwomen.org.nz

Early detection of moles and lesions is crucial. If left untreated, melanoma can spread rapidly to other parts of the body.

information to help recognise suspicious lesions. You should also discuss professional skin monitoring with your doctor.

too short a time period for many employers

is no longer necessary, before making the

available to people in rural, isolated areas.

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The first oral submission was on the Family

Fact 4

on both the high quality of the submissions from RWNZ and that the Committee was pleased to hear from a rural perspective.

The RWNZ Amuri Branch Dinner group hosted their annual “Welcome Event” in midJune. 60 people joined a pot luck evening meal, bringing a favourite dish or a specialty from their own country.

The local Filipino community organised games for all ages, the local play centre brought face paint and showcased their group to encourage and support people new to Amuri.

Many thanks to the extra funding from North Canterbury Rural Support Trust to pay for prizes for the games, disposable plates and printing costs for the welcome packs this year. Thank you also to Culverden FarmSource who supported the event with an Emergency Kit prize to give people some ideas for preparing kits for an event like the November 14th earthquake. www.ruralwomen.org.nz

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TOP OF THE SOUTH MEMBER BARBARA STUART RETIRES FROM LANDCARE TRUST ROLE NZ Landcare Trust’s Barbara Stuart has spent the last 18 years working with farmers, helping them to work together and adopt a proactive approach to change. Having had an influential role in the community and facilitated many successful projects, July 2017 marks the end of an era as Barbara retires from NZ Landcare Trust.

Short Head & Yard Short Head and Yard is a book of 18 stories about a variety of topics, each no longer than 1000 words with a rural tag to stimulate urban thoughts - or nostalgia. It is structured in a dog trial format of 3 stories (sheep), in themed chapters (pens) with dog trial oriented introductions.

Garrick Batten writes from a lifetime of farming experiences working with farmers, industries and rural communities in NZ and overseas, and his own commercial livestock and horticultural farming career.

Barbara Stuart

people who understand their land and want to leave it in a good condition for future

At an event last year which celebrated Barbara’s work with NZ Landcare Trust, the Minister for the Environment Dr. Nick Smith applauded Barbara on her commitment to rural communities in ‘The Top of the South’ and for her passion and hard work supporting sustainable land and water management initiatives.

generations.”

“The community approach of NZ Landcare Trust, and Barbara’s skill in particular, has been influential in increasing awareness of sustainability issues amongst farmers and landowners, and has helped bring about practical change,” the Minister continued.

Rather than ignore the problem or blame

Barbara often says how proud she is of the farmers and rural communities she works with. “They are hard-working, open-minded

Firearms Community Advisory Forum

“Farmers want to do the right thing, they just need support to do it,” added Barbara.

Looking back, many farmers in the Top of the South were amazed to discover that their working practices were having a negative impact on the environment. others, with Barbara’s help, farmers chose to adopt a proactive approach. They set about

determining

the

problem

and

used this information as the platform for robust, practical solutions that could be implemented with confidence.

Barbara and her family are only too familiar with challenges. The loss of their son in a

representatives. Rachael Dean, National Finance Chair is one of the three forum members. The subcommittee had its first meeting and the minutes of these meetings

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Having grown up on a sheep and beef farm in Canterbury, Barbara settled in Cable Bay with her husband Ian. Barbara has seen huge changes over the years, with growing levels of intensification followed by increasing awareness around sustainability.

Looking to the future, Barbara hoped the general public would try to be more understanding of farmers and the challenges they faced. “The majority of farmers are working hard to ensure the future sustainability of their businesses, both from an economic and an environmental perspective.”

met with the new Officer in Charge, Acting Superintendent Mike McIlraith, on 4 July.

Minutes from the April meeting of FCAF are available on the RWNZ website.

go to the FCAF before being made public.

When these become available the members

At the April meeting of Firearms Community

will be notified and they will be available on

Advisory Forum (FCAF), a subcommittee of

the RWNZ website.

the forum was set up to subcommittee on

There has been a reallocation of roles within

firearms storage. There are six members,

NZ Police with respect to administration of

including three from FCAF and three Police

tragic accident ultimately led Barbara to take up the Regional Coordinator role with NZ Landcare Trust. Barbara said, “I had to get out of that sad place, and meeting all the farming families did that for me.”

the Arms Act Service Delivery. Rachael Dean

www.ruralwomen.org.nz

The Firearms Safety Council of Aotearoa RWNZ is a member of the Council and the AGM was held on 22 July. Rachael Dean attended the meeting.

Here is a short story from the book:

A COUNTRY EDUCATION Apprehension, anticipation, excitement were big words for Robert and his 11 year-old mates. But that’s how they felt at the start of the first day of the year at their three-roomed school, fifty miles from Te Kuiti.

Pulchritude was another big word that wasn’t in their spelling books. It certainly didn’t suit last year’s relieving teacher Miss Meech, but was the only word that matched their new teacher - Miss Louise Latimer. She was absolutely beautiful. Long blonde hair, a trim, perfectly proportioned figure, in her early twenties, with light olive skin and deep dark eyes hinting at some mysterious background. A friendly voice and smile that could only be described as dazzling as a possum-hunting spotlight. Her new class was immediately captured, and now looking forward to the year to come.

The boys were really too young to understand the stir her arrival caused amongst the local young shepherds who were now often finding a reason to come to the village. Even fathers picking up children from school were not unwilling to stop longer from digging postholes or dagging sheep for the opportunity to rush up and thank her for caring for their offspring.

She also brought dress style to the village where trackpants, Swandris and gumboots were the norm - even on the women. She seemed to have a myriad of new clothes, although probably just careful planning, mixing and matching. But her hair always seemed to be shining, her shoes clean and lipstick bright.

Well, that’s what the young boys would have said if they had noticed. By the second week of the term she was just their teacher to spend each week day with; a good one who seemed to understand them, and who smelt nice when she bent over their desk to correct their work. However they were also aware of comments from the grown-ups at home. They varied.

Robert heard the two shepherds who came in for their evening meal each night often speculating on why such a gorgeous girl would even want to come to such an out-of-way place like this, wondering about a broken romance, hoping she might be vulnerable and looking for a new boyfriend. They were longing for the opportunity of the first winter dance at the village hall. His mother saw her as a disruption in the settled social structure of the district where patterns were laid down by history, locality, familiarity and predictability. This clearly wasn’t a country girl, couldn’t even climb a fence properly in her high heels, wasn’t interested in the netball team and didn’t accept an invitation to the Country Women’s Institute meeting. Old Mrs. O’Donnell where she boarded said at home she was either doing school work, or watching TV and doing her nails, or shut away in her room. Although also often out, taking the old dog for a long walk down to the river.

It hzzzadn’t taken long for Phillip Garmondy, son of the biggest farmer in the district to show up at school. He had been home from Massey University for a couple of years to take over the farm. With him had come a bride, a Canadian girl who had been a fellow student on exchange from Guelph. But the King Country wasn’t like Toronto and Palmerston North, and she was increasingly unhappy with her life, her future as a farmer’s wife and with Phillip.

She made him take her home early from the first winter dance after he had spent more time dancing with Miss Latimer than her. Tongues wagged at the village store and words burned the telephone party lines.

During the third term, Robert noticed Miss Latimer seemed a bit, you know, not quite with it in the mornings. She got a bit snappy with Tyson who was always causing trouble anyway. But she also made Helen cry when she growled at her for not finishing her story on time. Helen was a bit of a crybaby but also the teacher’s pet. Then she smacked Trevor with a ruler for not saying please when he’d snatched Mihi’s without asking, and then ran from the room in tears. The kids didn’t know what to do, and eventually Mr. Potts came and took them for the rest of the period until playtime.

Next day Miss Latimer didn’t come to school at all and they had Miss Meech again in her place. She was sort of old with straight grey hair, so big she could hardly waddle between desks in the classroom, and crabby as anything. The kids called her “Screech.”

Robert heard his parents talking that Miss Latimer had to go away in a hurry. He asked his mother why and she said she didn’t know and got on with mashing potatoes. The shepherds made some sniggering comments to themselves but changed the subject when she glared at them. So he asked his father.

“It’s like this Robert. You remember when that Jersey bull jumped the fence from next door and got in with our stud Hereford heifers last spring?

And how some of them got pregnant, and I got very angry with our new neighbour because they were now going to have useless crossbred calves?

Well Phillip Garmondy jumped the fence. So it was best for her and him too that she went away before anyone here got angry.”

Robert was more concerned about having screechy Miss Meech for the rest of the year, and he really missed Miss Latimer.

The book will be available on the RWNZ website shop shortly.

Win a copy of the book by emailing enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz and we will put you in the draw.

WELCOME TO NEW MEMBERS

FAREWELL TO FRIENDS

Natalie Beamish

Sharlene Stokes

Elle Anderson

Fay Keane

Sharon Evans

Wilhelmina Hansen Gillian Russell

Gloria Watson – Winchmore Branch

Raewyn Pratt – Waitawheta Branch

Paula Conti

Sharon Boulton

Jan Nunn – Kourawhero Branch

Ngaire Corkin – Tatuanui Branch

Michelle Thompson

Gillian Thomas

Lyla Rose McInnes – Kourawhero Branch

Joyce Wadsworth BLM - Tatuanui Branch

Julia Jones

Parminder Singh

Peggy Couchman – Kaikohe Branch

Jocelyn Leyser – Cromwell Branch

Traci Houpapa

Anne-Marie McGlashan

Anne Temple – Te Rahu Branch

Rina Ng

Bayla Singh

Pam Phipps

Betty Thwaites – Otakeho Branch

Sinda Hall

Alison Gray

Suzanne Schaw

Hazel Johnston - Orini-Netherby Branch

Anne Ward JP – Colville Branch

Sophie Spiers

Marion Towns

Rachelle Haslegrave

www.ruralwomen.org.nz

Lesley Payne Cheyenne Wilson

11

ACWW South Pacific Area Conference Excerpts from The Country Woman Magazine, Issue 3 2017; Column by Ruth Shanks World President.

The Conference was held 30 April-3 May 2017 in New Plymouth. It was hosted by Taranaki Area Rural Women New Zealand, headed by Shirley Read, who did an outstanding job.

Prior to the conference, a workshop was held for 18 Pacific Island women, whose airfares and accommodation were all sponsored by member societies in the South Pacific. They visited an environmental family-run pre-school where they learned about recycling. They also visited a Maori culture centre to do some weaving and learn about music instruments.

They had a class on budgeting and a fun cooking lesson making scones and pizzas.

In total, 182 delegates attended the proceedings from Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Islands. It was a wonderful few days of business, socialising and networking to learn more about each other and ACWW. The Area President Gail Commens and her assistant Lyn Braico should be very proud of their successful Area Conference, well done!

RWNZ delegates at the ACWW Conference.

BRIEF HISTORY OF ACWW In 1797 was the first recorded date of the foundations of an organisation of farm women. In that year, Finland recognised the Agricultural Women’s Organisation. By 1870 the country women’s work was gaining acceptance as a valuable contribution to the national economy.

In many countries rural women were feeling the need to meet together for a number of reasons. Sometimes it was a matter of loneliness, sometimes an economic need.

In Germany, it was the suffrage movement which sparked their interest in civics. In Canada, a tragedy which might have been averted, roused them into action.

In Hamilton, Ontario, Mrs Adelaide Hoodless lost her 18 month old son. He died as a result of drinking impure milk. His mother knew that if she had had the knowledge, he would not have died. Out of this need to impart knowledge, the Women’s Institute (WI) began in Canada.

Other countries gradually formed rural women groups and the Women’s Division of Federated Farmers, now RWNZ, was founded in 1925.

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In 1929, it was true that thanks to Lady Aberdeen, women were beginning to think in worldwide terms of country women. It was fitting that Lady Aberdeen should take the first step bringing together of rural women’s organisations. She had been the wife of a Viceroy of Ireland and of a Governor-General of Canada. Consequently, there was little she did not know about rural communities and no one had greater influence in international affairs. She was a rare character, bound by her birth and upbringing to have a strong sense of purpose and duty and the highest standards.

Mrs Alfred Watt, who brought the Canadian WI to England and who was to become the first President of ACWW, was as different from Lady Aberdeen as any woman could be. She had neither prestige nor influence, money nor financial backing. She had no splendid presence, but she had good friends and she had genius. She had the ability to infect others with her enthusiasm.

Miss Zimmern completes the trio of great personalities who helped to lay the foundations of the association, but virtually www.ruralwomen.org.nz

heaved the foundation stones out of solid rock. Miss Zimmern was the General Secretary of International Council of Women (ICW). It was to her that Lady Aberdeen entrusted the list of the world’s organisations of rural women. Miss Zimmern was prepared to work tirelessly, and so this diverse group of women began to work together.

Conference of Rural Women’s Organisations

In Geneva, in 1927, a resolution was passed by the General Secretary of the ICW, that a temporary committee be formed to consider the conditions under which women’s rural organisations work. A small committee of Lady Aberdeen, Mrs Watt, Miss Zimmern, a secretary, a representative from Germany and one from Norway was formed.

representatives to serve on some of the ICW

On 30 April 1929, in Montefiore Hall London the International Conference of Rural Women’s Organisations was held with Lady Aberdeen as the Chair and Mrs Watt as Vice-chair. 23 countries were represented, including Lady Gunson for New Zealand.

The many contacts led to the formation of new country women’s associations.

Lady Aberdeen consequently proposed the resolution, “That this International

appoint a committee authorised to enter into negotiations with the International Council of Women: this committee to be empowered to arrange a Conference on rural subjects, to be held at the same time as the Quinquennial meeting of the International Council of Women in Vienna and to appoint Standing Committees on that occasion.”

From this began the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).

RWNZ became a Category I Member and has served in many ways over the years.

Mrs Nellie Schroeder lived in England for some time and was Editor of The Countrywoman.

Miss Jean Smith served as South Pacific Area President, as did Mrs Jeanette Tarbotton, ably assisted by Mrs June Haultain. Mrs Val Tarrant was a most successful and enthusiastic Chair of the Projects Committee and Mrs Isla McRae was Deputy Chair of the Agriculture Committee when it became a Specified Committee.

Currently, Mrs Kerry Maw-Smith Chairs the United Nations Committee and as ACWW has NGO consultative status, finds it most interesting and has attended two CSW (Consultative Status of Women) forums in New York.

The ACWW has three scholarships are available: The Lady Aberdeen Scholarship Fund, established in 1959; the Elsie Zimmern Memorial Fund, set up in 1971; and the ACWW Nutrition Education Fund, established in 1974. These cover study in social welfare, organisation and leadership, and education in nutrition.

Over the years, many groups have assisted the Projects Committee. After much discussion at the 1975 World Conference in Nairobi, the Projects Committee was set up in 1977. 40 years later, over 1,000 projects have been funded. Applicants can be Member Societies, although a much wider range is supported.

The projects are intended to support developing countries to improve conditions for women and their families. The first project approved was Home Economics www.ruralwomen.org.nz

training in Belize, providing women in rural settlements with materials and skills to produce handcrafts and nutritious meals for their families.

Anyone who has attended either a World or Area Conference will know that no matter where women live, their aims are to improve conditions for their families and communities. I am proud that RWNZ is a member of ACWW and can support the projects in our wider world community. We had women of foresight to establish both RWNZ and ACWW and my hope is that we will always have such members to lead us into the future.

Marie Appleton RWNZ National International Officer.

Source: ACWW website

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RESOLUTIONS FOR ACWW SOUTH PACIFIC AREA CONFERENCE Introduction to Letters

RWNZ has written the following three letters in response to the motions that were made at the 2017 Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) South Pacific Area Conference.

The letter concerning button batteries was sent to the Minister of Health, Minister for Children, Minister of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Labour Party Spokesperson for Health, Labour Party Spokesperson for Children, Consumer NZ and Consumer Protection. RWNZ has yet to receive a response letter.

The letter concerning cervical cancer was sent to the CEO and Director-General of the Ministry of Health, Minister of Health, Minister of Women, Labour Party Spokesperson for Health and Labour Party Spokesperson for Women’s Affairs. RWNZ has yet to receive a response letter. RWNZ has received a response on behalf of the Ministry of Health.

The response can be found on the Member’s Zone of the website.

As noted in KPMG New Zealand’s 2016 Agribusiness Agenda, there is great pressure being placed on land based farmers as urban populations continue to grow, consumer demand increases and productive agricultural land is lost. New Zealand will need to increasingly utilise the ocean to meet these food demands. To rely more heavily on aquaculture, the world’s fastest growing primary industry, will demand greater action to be taken to protect our marine environment and fish stocks.

The increase in aquaculture and floating farms will result in an increase in the possibility of exploitation and environmental degradation.

RWNZ recognises and commends the regulations that are already in place to protect the oceans and New Zealand’s fish stocks, such as the implementation of fishing quotas and designation of protected areas. However, more efforts must be taken.

The letter concerning the protection of the marine environment and maintenance of food sovereignty was sent to the Minister for the Environment, Minister for Climate Change Issues, MPI Director-General, Minister for Primary Industries, Labour Party Spokesperson for Primary Industries, Labour Party Spokesperson for the Environment and Labour Party Spokesperson for Climate Change. RWNZ has received a response from Hon Damien O’Connor, Labour Party Spokesperson for Primary Industries. The response can be found on the Member’s Zone of the website.

The Ministry for the Environment’s 2016 report, Our marine environment, details numerous issues regarding New Zealand’s oceans. One major concern is the rise in sea levels as a result of climate change that is causing coastal erosion, which harms coastal habitats. This is especially concerning considering majority of New Zealand’s aquaculture activities are located in the coastal marine environment.

Motion 2: Marine Environment

New Zealand’s oceans are also at risk from landbased impacts, such as coastal development, sediment deposition and runoff. MPI’s Aquatic Environment Biodiversity Annual Review 2016 informs that by 2050, coastal development alone is expected to impact 91% of all inhabited coasts and contribute to over 80% of marine pollution. Sediment deposition has various effects, ranging from damaging fish habitats to killing fish species. Eutrophication, resulting from runoff, can also lead to the depletion of fish stocks. The MPI report further acknowledges that although limited data is available on biogenic habitats, essential for New Zealand fisheries, evidence shows that they are in strong decline.

Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) would like to express our concern regarding the protection of the shared marine environment and the importance of maintaining food sovereignty.

RWNZ is a society member of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). At the 2017 ACWW South Pacific Area Conference, held between 30 April and 3 May, the following motion was passed: “Member societies of the ACWW South Pacific Area request their governments and industries to take urgent action, as appropriate, to ensure the wise use and protection of the shared marine environment, to protect the sustainability of coral reefs and fish stocks for future generations.” This Motion was made in support of Resolution 2 from the 14

ACWW 28th World Conference, which states, “Be it resolved that the ACWW accept Food Sovereignty as part of ACWW agricultural policy and that the ACWW begin a campaign to bring awareness and understanding of Food Sovereignty to the organisation and its members during the next triennium (20162019).”

As ocean temperatures continue to rise and the ocean absorbs more carbon dioxide, warmer waters drive fish away, harm marine ecosystems and increase ocean acidification.

The fifth-highest emitters per capita of greenhouse gases, New Zealand is partially responsible for the damage that is being done to the marine environment.

While a national view of the impacts of landwww.ruralwomen.org.nz

based influences upon New Zealand’s seafood production does not exist, the degradation of our oceans clearly has many implications for aquaculture and commercial fishing. If New Zealand is to meet its goal to become a billion dollar aquaculture industry by 2025, measures must be put in place to protect the sustainability of our fish stocks. At the same time, these measures must protect the marine environment and limit the many threats that aquaculture poses, especially those pertaining to biosecurity.

As committed to sustainable and safe food production, Rural Women New Zealand asks that you use your role as the Minister for Primary Industries to take appropriate action to ensure the wise use and protection of the shared marine environment.

Motion 3: Cervical Cancer Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) would like to express our concern regarding the inequitable access to health services in rural areas for cervical cancer vaccination, screening and treatment. RWNZ is a society member of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). At the 2017 ACWW South Pacific Area Conference, held between 30 April and 3 May, the following motion was passed: “That member societies of ACWW South Pacific Area become part of a collaboration being originated by Australian Cervical Cancer Foundation to ensure that vaccinationscreening and treatment for cervical cancer is achieved throughout the Pacific Nations as a women’s health priority.”

The Ministry of Health reports that each year approximately 160 women develop cervical cancer and approximately 50 die from it. This means that 3 women a week are diagnosed with cervical cancer and nearly 1 out of 3 of these women will not survive the disease. As one of the most preventable forms of cancer, with triennial screenings reducing the risk of developing the disease by up to 90 percent, even one death from cervical cancer is one too many. Without a screening, however, the Ministry of Health reports that approximately one out of 90 women will develop cervical cancer as opposed to one out of 570 women that do receive the screening.

Studies have shown that the lack of access to healthcare in rural areas has been associated with reduced cervical cancer screening and treatment. Distance to healthcare facilities poses an additional difficulty for someone without transport, the ability to drive, or the time to travel such a long way. Not only is distance an issue, but the cost of the screening, taking time off work and transportation to the health facility is also problematic. These were some of the many concerns expressed by respondents to the survey RWNZ conducted

in June 2017, which asked our members and members of Dairy Women’s Network and Farming Mums their feedback about cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

The first out of five questions asked if respondents had any concerns regarding access to health facilities that provide cervical cancer vaccinations, screenings and treatment.

Although 76% (82 out of 108 respondents) stated that they did not have any concerns, 18% (19 out of 108 respondents) claimed that they did. Among their reasons for concern is the cost, the lack of access to a General Practitioner (GP) or health facility, distance, long wait times, and requirement of obtaining accommodation due to the distance to a health facility. 40% (42 out of 104 respondents) said that they did not believe there is enough access to information regarding cervical cancer prevention and treatment in their community.

Regarding whether or not the respondents have any concerns about the costs involved in accessing facilities and obtaining a cervical cancer vaccination, screening and/or treatment, 30% (32 out of 105 respondents) stated that they did. These respondents listed the cost of travel, taking time off work and obtaining accommodation as their concerns, as well as the high cost of screening and treatment. 49% (50 out of 102 respondents) said that they had other concerns, aside from cost or transportation, regarding cervical cancer vaccination, screening and treatment.

Their concerns include religious or cultural beliefs, embarrassment, GP gender, stigma, age, not being fluent in English and a lack of understanding of the importance of cervical cancer vaccination or screening.

We asked respondents to provide their ideas about how improvements can be made regarding access to information and services for cervical cancer. 68 people responded with suggestions, including more TV and social media advertisements, free cervical screening for at risk age groups and making screening and vaccination available at family planning clinics.

The Medical Council of New Zealand’s 2014 medical workforce survey shows that rural areas have only 139.4 doctors per 100,000 people compared to urban areas, which have 367.8 doctors per 100,000 people. The number of doctors working in general practice in rural areas is also lower at 72.9 per 100,000 people in comparison to 95 per 100,000 people in urban areas. These statistics are even more concerning considering data from the Royal New Zealand College of General Practitioners (RNZCGP) shows that, as of 2016, 44% of GPs plan to retire in the next 10 years and there are not enough mid-career GPs to replace them.

Of particular concern is the lack of research on health in rural areas, as well as the inaccuracy of available data due to the lack of a clear

definition of rural healthcare. As explained in the 2016 article, ‘Poorly defined’: unknown unknowns in New Zealand rural health, rural health inequalities may be concealed by the fact that the Statistics New Zealand categorization of rural and urban (often used by researchers) does not account for health service access. The result is inaccurate data on the population of New Zealanders accessing rural healthcare.

An estimated 340,000 people are receiving rural healthcare that are included in Statistics New Zealand’s urban definition. Meanwhile, an estimated 120,000 people classified as rural are receiving urban healthcare. If the Ministry of Health did have data about rural and urban health discrepancies, this data would be faulty if the 2013 Statistics New Zealand census is used, as it often is by researchers.

As committed to the management and development of New Zealand’s health system, Rural Women New Zealand asks that you use your role as the Minister of Health to take action to ensure equal access for cervical cancer vaccinations, screenings, and treatment for all people of New Zealand.

Motion 4: Button Batteries Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) would like to express our concern regarding the danger of lithium and alkaline batteries, also known as button or coin batteries. RWNZ is a society member of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). At the 2017 ACWW South Pacific Area Conference, held between 30 April and 3 May, the following motion was passed: “That the ACWW members in the South Pacific Area lobby their relevant State and Federal Governments to introduce stricter safety standards for all products containing button batteries.”

Smaller than a 10-cent piece and found in many common household items, button batteries have proven fatal when swallowed, and not simply because they can become lodged in the oesophagus. A chemical reaction is caused when the batteries come in contact with saliva, which results in severe burning and tissue damage within two hours of swallowing.

Button batteries can erode through both the oesophagus and the trachea, as well as result in death. Similar injuries occur if a button battery is inserted into any other body orifice, such as the ears or nose.

RWNZ is particularly concerned with the danger button batteries pose to children. In a study regarding the 8,161 button battery ingestions reported to the National Battery Ingestion Hotline, located in Washington D.C., 62.5% of ingestions involved children younger than 6 years of age. 61.8% of the 3,989 known sources of possession were directly from a product and 29.8% obtained from battery packaging. Law only requires toys designed for www.ruralwomen.org.nz

children to have secure battery departments.

However, there are many objects button batteries are found in that children could come in contact with including remote controls, car key fobs, calculators, thermometers, hearing aids, digital scales, novelty toys and watches.

According to The Battery Controlled, a campaign that provides awareness of the dangers button batteries pose, New Zealand’s Starship Children’s Hospital annually attends to 20 children for the removal or treatment of ingested or inserted button batteries. The Battery Controlled also reports that an average of 90 button battery-related calls are made every year to the National Poison Centre.

In 2015, as reported by the New Zealand Herald, eight-month-old baby Devon Hacche living in Tauranga swallowed a button battery that severely burnt the child’s trachea and oesophagus. The child underwent numerous surgeries, including an operation where his heart and lungs were temporarily stopped and his chest cut open to repair tissue damage.

The battery has critically damaged the child’s nerves that control his vocal cords. There is fear that he may never be able to speak or breathe unassisted.

Australian consumer advocacy organisation, CHOICE reports that in 2013, four-year-old Summer Steer swallowed a button battery that was removed in surgery. Shortly after, however, the damage caused by the battery took her life.

RWNZ demands that action be taken to reduce the risks involved with button batteries. We ask that mandatory safety standards are introduced, covering all items containing button batteries. These mandatory safety standards include that: 1.

All button battery-powered products must have a secure battery compartment.

2.

Button batteries of up to 32mm diameter must be sold in child-resistant packaging.

3.

For products supplied with a button battery, batteries must be secured within the battery compartment and not loose in the product packaging.

4.

Products that use or contain button batteries have clear and concise warnings, making the risk clear to consumers at point of purchase.

As committed to improving, promoting and protecting the health of all New Zealanders, Rural Women New Zealand asks that you use your role as the Minister of Health to aid the campaign to implement the above safety standards and reduce the risk that button batteries pose.

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Queen’s Birthday Honours 2017 RWNZ congratulates Past National President Wendy McGowan on being named an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit (ONZM) for services to rural women, in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.

Wendy has been a member of Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) since 1975 and has held offices with the Kaharoa Branch, Provincial and Inter-Provincial Committees.

She said she felt excited about the honour and very thankful to the people who had nominated her.

In 2005 Mrs McGowan became National Councillor for the Region Five area covering Coromandel to Gisborne.

She was Vice President for two years, convened the Social Issues Committee and the Land Use Committee.

Wendy McGowan

part in negotiations for the sale of Access Homehealth Ltd during her term as National President.

She has been an individual member of the ACWW and was part of the RWNZ delegation to the South Pacific Area Conference in Tonga in 2011. She has served on the Rural

Congratulations to Rebecca Keoghan Rebecca Keoghan has been named a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) for services to business, particularly the dairy industry.

She was appointed National President of RWNZ from 2013 to 2016, during which time she led the delegation to the 2014 South Pacific Area Conference and the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) Triennial World Conference.

Rebecca Keoghan is a RWNZ member and has contributed to the Westland region for the past 10 years. In addition to her role as co-director of a 250 cow, 300 hectare farm, Mrs Keoghan was Operations Manager of Westport’s Holcim Cement Ltd, controlling the quality production of 500,000 tonnes of clinker and 550,000 tonnes of cement per annum. She led the growth of a ‘zero harm’ culture for her staff at Holcim.

Wendy oversaw the implementation of changes to the structure of the governing body and rules of RWNZ. Wendy also took

Currently, as Business Manager of Landcorp Farming Ltd, she is responsible for the strategic development and management of

Wendy represented RWNZ on the New Zealand Food Safety Consumer Forum for four years.

Community Trust as the RWNZ representative.

Wendy is a member of the Kaimai-Mamaku Catchment Forum and Federated Farmers Rotorua/Taupo Province, and has been president and chairperson of Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre section for the province. five large dairy farms in the region, as well as a dairy support farm and a machinery syndicate spanning the Cape Foulwind and Grey Valley areas.

She is a director of Westland Milk Products Ltd and of Buller Holdings, which has responsibility for Buller District Council’s commercial assets.

Rebecca was a member of the Northern South Island committee of OSPRI, the organisation managing the National Animal Identification and Tracing programme to eliminate bovine tuberculosis from New Zealand.

Rebecca is currently a judge for the Dairy Manager of the Year Award programme for the Dairy Industry Awards, and she was the Dairy Women’s Network Dairy Woman of the Year in 2016.

South Taranaki Rural Women New Zealand Tertiary Awards Danielle Hasler and Grace White have been awarded the South Taranaki Area Rural Women New Zealand Tertiary Awards for 2017.

South Taranaki Area Provinicial President of RWNZ, Jennie Purdon (centre) presented the awards to Grace White (left) and Danielle Hasler (right).

Danielle received the Margaret Blake Memorial Bursary to study nursing at Massey University and Grace received the South Taranaki Rural Woman New Zealand Award to study Health Sciences at Otago University to become a doctor.

RWNZ wishes Grace and Danielle great success with their study.

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www.ruralwomen.org.nz

THANK YOU FOR YOUR FEEDBACK RWNZ submits on many policy issues important to the relevant portfolios in health, education, social and rural environment, and we would like to thank the Rapid Response groups and membership for their invaluable feedback for the submission work.

approach to stock exclusion, noting the huge improvements made as a result of reducing livestock access via planting and fencing. RWNZ supports a Freshwater policy that aims high for the health of our people, wildlife, environment and communities.

As a member-based organisation, it is important that RWNZ submissions are both well-informed and well-researched.

In addition to seeking feedback from the membership, we consult with other organisations. It is important that our submissions reflect the views and concerns of the membership, whilst still aligning with RWNZ’s values and policies.

In early June, we delivered a submission to the Ministry of Health on the Suicide Prevention Strategy Consultation document, where we supported the frameworks focus on supporting positive wellbeing for all ages, increasing awareness and supporting communities in need. Our concern was whether the framework sufficiently addressed mental health issues in rural New Zealand.

Recently, we surveyed the membership on the Boarding Allowance Scheme Survey, Clean Water Consultation, Suicide Prevention Strategy Consultation, Domestic Violence-Victims’ Protection Bill, Family and Whānau Violence Legislation Bill, and the Marriage (Court Consent to Marriage of Minors) Amendment Bill.

The Ministry of Education requested feedback on the Boarding Allowance Scheme. RWNZ received over 80 responses to the Boarding Allowance Scheme Survey.

It was evident from the overwhelming number of responses, that all children should have the option to attend boarding school. Also evident was that families who wish to send a child to boarding school face a lot more challenges than in previous years.

In April, the Clean Water Consultation 2017 was seeking feedback on the proposed freshwater changes. RWNZ completed an online submission to the Ministry for the Environment outlining our support for changes to make New Zealand waterways clean, safe and healthy. In particular, we supported a reasonable and practical

Our two most recent submissions, both to the Justice and Electoral Committee, were on the Domestic Violence-Victims’ Protection Bill and the Family and Whānau Violence Legislation Bill. These are two very important issues affecting families in our rural communities, due to factors such as social isolation, lack of access to reliable internet and phone services, and living in remote rural areas.

Feedback from the membership reflected a concern for victims being able to access support services in the first place, as well as the services not being solely available to victims of domestic violence living in urban areas and those with internet access. One member commented that there is an assumption that, “appropriate domestic violence support services are readily available” throughout New Zealand.

However, this is not the case.

RWNZ would also like to thank the Rapid Response, membership, Dairy Women’s Network and Farming Mums NZ for their contribution to the survey on cervical www.ruralwomen.org.nz

cancer. We received an impressive number of responses and useful feedback. The information was used to write letters to the relevant ministers and ministries in relation to the ACWW resolution from the South Pacific Area Conference, that member societies of ACWW lobby for improved cervical cancer prevention and treatment.

In July, we surveyed the membership on their views concerning marriage law to inform our submission on the Marriage (Court Consent to Marriage of Minors) Amendment Bill. The Bill would provide that any those aged 16 or 17 wishing to get married can only do so with the permission of the Court. Previously, those aged 16 or 17 wishing to marry only needed to obtain parental consent. RWNZ’s submission fully supports the Bill and its intent to prevent forced marriage, noting that the law as it currently stands is insufficient.

RWNZ has also surveyed the Rapid Response, Dairy Women’s Network and Farming Mums on maternity services in rural areas. This survey was sent in response to reports that small rural birthing units are closing or under threat of closure.

Currently, we are surveying the membership, Rapid Response, Dairy Women’s Network, and Farming Mums on rural school transport.

RWNZ is concerned about the availability of school transport assistance in rural areas, as well as the health and safety of children being transported to and from school.

If you wish to join one of the Rapid Response groups please contact the National Office and nominate which portfolio group you wish to join: health, social, rural environment or education. Submissions are also available to read on our website www.ruralwomen.org.nz 17

RWNZ WoolOn Creative Fashion Awards

PEAR & GINGER COBBLER

Midhurst Branch has been busy knitting hats and booties for Plunket, pictured is P Old, R Keller, N Chubb, P Fawcett and l Davies.

TARANAKI AREA ACTIVITIES RWNZ Taranaki area held their International Day in the War Memorial Centre Stratford on 7 July. Approximately 50 members from the Province came together to hear of the work that is carried out by the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW).

The day commenced with the reading of an interesting and comprehensive report supplied by RWNZ International Officer, Marie Appleton.

RWNZ was pleased to partner with the WoolOn Creative Fashion event for the first time this year. The event encourages excellence in design, creativity and production of wool fashion.

RWNZ Supreme Winner: Viv Tamblyn – A Touch of Copper Alexandra New World Under-23 Emerging Designer: Kimberly Ramsey – End of the Beginning

The Courthouse Special Occasion: Maureen McKenzie – Natural Beauty

Nu Dax Street Wear: Erana Kaa – Hine Ukaipo

Judge Rock Handcrafted: Daphne Randle – Tyla Pearl

Judge Rock Handcrafted: Louise Cook – Don’t Tassel Me

Orora Kiwi Packaging Felted: Heather Kerr – Just Alice

Orora Kiwi Packaging Felted: Lia Martinez - Metamorphosis

Breen Construction Collections: Daphne Randle – Patterns in Paua

Design Windows Avant Garde: Debbie Leung – Viva Pompoms

Design Windows Avant Garde: Laurel Judd – Hanging Gardens 18

The Courthouse Special Occasion: Debbie Leung – Rosy Romance

Note: If using apples, or firm pears like Bosc, cook the fruit first to soften. Place the prepared fruit in a saucepan with 2 tablespoons water. Cover with a lid, bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 5–6 minutes until the fruit is just tender when pierced with a small knife. Drain well.

A report from Gail Commens, the South Pacific Area President was also read. This outlined the needs of women living in the South Pacific region.

Serves 6 / Gluten-Free Option / DairyFree Option

Guest speakers for the day were Mary Stanley and Barrie Smith, both members of the Rotary.

4 large pears – Comice or Bartlett work best as they don’t require pre-cooking 2cm knob fresh ginger, finely grated

They have done and are still undertaking work in India and Nepal. The main focus is to provide water pumps for the people of India and emergency boxes for Nepal after their devastating earthquake.

The competitions for the day were well supported, and the twiddle muffs that were created will be donated to dementia patients at local rest homes. The day was a fundraiser and stalls were well supported, with profits to be donated to the ACWW South Pacific Area fund.

2 tablespoons lemon juice ½ cup / 75g white flour 1/3 cup / 50g hazelnuts or almonds OR ½ cup ground nuts or sunflower flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon ground ginger pinch of salt 50g butter, room temperature ¼ cup / 50g sugar or 3 tablespoons honey Sandra Blue testing Twiddle Muffs knitted by Taranaki area members for dementia patients.

zest of 1 lemon

Preheat oven to 170°C. Peel and core the pears and cut into eighths.

Place them in a baking dish about 20cm × 25cm.

Add the grated ginger and lemon juice, toss to combine, then arrange the pieces snugly in the dish.

If using whole nuts, place the nuts and 2 tablespoons of the flour in a food processor and blend until finely ground.

Lorna Davies receiving her Branch Honour Award from Midhurst Branch Vice President, Patricia Old.

To mix the batter by hand: Use a fork to mash the butter and honey/sugar together until combined. Add the eggs one at a time, and beat until roughly combined. Tip over the flour mixture and fold together.

To mix the batter using a food processor: Blend the butter and honey/sugar together until creamy. Add the eggs one at a time, blending to combine. Tip in the flour mixture and pulse half a dozen times until just combined.

Dollop the batter over the pears and bake for 30–35 minutes or until golden and an inserted skewer comes out clean. Serve with Whole Egg Custard.

Slowly pour the egg mixture into the pan of milk while continuing to whisk. Cook gently over a low heat, stirring with a wooden spoon, until the custard coats the back of the spoon and is the consistency of thick cream, about 6–8 minutes. It will thicken a little more as it cools.

Flax or Chia Egg To make 1 egg: In a small bowl combine 1 tablespoon ground flaxseeds or 1 tablespoon whole or ground chia seeds, with 3 tablespoons water. Mix well then set aside to swell for 5 minutes. Use to replace 1 egg in baking.

Note: This egg replacement can be used successfully in recipes that contain no more than 2 eggs if you want to make the recipe egg-free, or for no more than 2 eggs in other recipes – handy if you run out of eggs halfway through making something. It can only be used as a binder and does not whisk up like egg whites so cannot be used to make meringue or similar.

Reproduced from Homegrown Kitchen by Nicola Galloway, published by Potton & Burton, available nationwide

Win a copy of Homegrown Kitchen by emailing enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz.

We will put all entries into a draw and announce the winner in September.

2 free-range eggs or 2 Flax or Chia Eggs (see below) Gluten-free: use Gluten-free Flour Mix or 1/3 cup brown rice flour with 2 tablespoons tapioca starch. Check baking powder is gluten-free.

Highly Commended Awards Nu Dax Street Wear: Viv Tamblyn – A Touch of Copper

In winter, there is something so comforting about a warm dessert like crumble or cobbler on a cold night. In this cobbler recipe, the fruit is topped with a cake-like batter that contains added protein from the eggs to balance the fruit and sugar. This recipe can be made all year round with any selection of seasonal fruit. It can also be made egg-free and/or nut-free, if desired.

The flour will prevent the nuts from turning into a paste before they are finely ground. Add the remaining flour, baking powder, ground ginger and salt, and pulse to combine then tip into a bowl. If using pre-ground nuts then combine the dry ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine.

Whole Egg Custard 1½ cups / 375ml whole milk or coconut milk 1 small free-range egg (or 2 egg yolks for creamier custard) 1 tablespoon sugar or honey 2 teaspoons tapioca starch or arrowroot powder ½ teaspoon vanilla extract or paste pinch of salt

Makes Approx. 2 Cups / Gluten-Free / Dairy-Free Option Heat the milk in a saucepan until bubbles appear around the edge of the pan. Remove from the heat.

In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients until combined. Add a ladleful of the hot milk while whisking constantly. www.ruralwomen.org.nz

19

TRIPLE F: FITNESS, FUN AND FRIENDSHIP EVENT Pat Macaulay, Convener of this year’s Triple

join in the three days of ‘Fitness, Fun &

The curling evening was popular and special

F Challenge is absolutely thrilled with the

Friendship’.

thanks to our generous sponsor Farmlands

funds raised from yet again a very successful event. A huge thank you to members who

The weather was a little windy on the first day

and the International Curling Rink.

out of Clyde and then a bitterly cold storm

Our special guest at this year’s Challenge

hit the Strath Taieri valley on the Sunday

was Linda Taylor from the Garden to Table

afternoon as participants were finishing.

Trust who joined us for the Friday and

Everyone had a wonderful time, meeting

Saturday morning.

Although there were fewer participants,

new friends and enjoying the beautiful

evening at the Becks Hall with Linda as

people still travelled from all over NZ to

autumn colours that central is renowned for.

the guest speaker, she was joined by the

sold raffle tickets for the monster raffle and to the very generous businesses who supplied the prizes.

We had a wonderful

Heartlands Educator Pip Tisdall and their Chair, Margaret Box.

It was a great night

and very informative about the good work that Life Education and Garden to Table Trust do educating our children to look after themselves and to keep safe.

One of the participants this year was Julie Woods of Dunedin, also known as ‘That Blind Woman’, who took part in 2015 and returned this year to walk with her sister Amanda Phillips, and as in 2015, Julie had a blast.

People travelled from around NZ to participate in the Triple F.

REGION 4 NAPIER CONFERENCE In early June, 50 lower North Island members

Lunch was at Bostock Organic Kitchen. The

met in Napier for their regional conference.

weather was great to sit out on the deck for

‘A Place to Call Home’ was the theme for

Members took a bus trip touring a number

lunch.

Saturday night’s dinner with members

of local attractions including the Hawkes Bay Museum of Technology, the Faraday

“That Blind Woman” Julie Woods and her sister Amanda Phillips

After lunch the group visited Te Mata

dressing up in wonderful costumes.

Mushroom Farm and walked around Ahuriri

Centre and Design Spun/Skeinz woollen

Sunday

to view the Sea Wall Art. The walkers that

and finished off with dynamic speaker

mill. Mary Kilsby and Jenayre Lissington are

braved the weather are photographed on

Georgina Langford from Archeus, an artisan

pictured with their woollen purchases.

the steps of the Rothmans Building.

apothecary and studio.

featured

a

business

session

“Team Farmlands” – Jo Murray and Shannon Woodward.

GOLDEN BAY WIN AWARD RWNZ Golden Bay Provincial took home the Tasman Award at the recent TrustPower Community Awards.

The prize was for the three branches’ work (Bainham, Takaka and Pakawau Branch) and their fundraising projects which have seen between $12,000 and $14,000 funnelled into the community.

Carolyn McLellan, President of RWNZ Bainham Branch, says that the branches were overwhelmed to receive the Tasman Award. “This was not just for fundraising but for our overall work in the community.”

Pictured from left is Barbara McKay, Carolyn McLellan and Judy Nalder.

Janice Mills, Carolyn Nicol and Caroline Ross.

20

www.ruralwomen.org.nz

www.ruralwomen.org.nz

Mary Kilsby and Jenayre Lissington 21

MEMBERSHIP INCENTIVES AREA COMMITTEES Region 1 Lower South Island

Position

Contact Email

Region 6 Waikato

Position

Contact Email

Gill Naylor

naylordg@farmside.co.nz

Megan Owen

hamowen.ltd@gmail.com

Pat Macaulay

macaulay.p@xtra.co.nz

Malvina Dick

malvinad@xtra.co.nz

Heather Smith

iahesmith@gmail.com

Karen Attwood

Leona Trimble

trimblesplace@xtra.co.nz

Eileen Barker

efbarker74@gmail.com

Sally Hammond

irsjhammond@netspeed.net.nz

Secretary/Treasurer

Judy Board

Chair

judy.board@xtra.co.nz

theattwoods@actrix.co.nz

Liz Morgan Region 2 Canterbury

Position

lizziemorgan@farmside.co.nz

Contact Email

Sharron Davie-Martin

davie-martin@amuri.net

Jennie Smith

Position

Contact Email

jenniems@xtra.co.nz

Region 6 Taranaki

Bev Blanche

blanchy@xtra.co.nz

Helen Jones

Treasurer

helen.toko@xtra.co.nz

Christine Anderson

jcandynz@gmail.com

Margaret Vickers

drumblade@farmside.co.nz

Jennie Purdon

mgchapman@xtra.co.nz

Helen Bayliss

Bev Bagrie Margaret Chapman

Chair

r.m.vickers@xtra.co.nz chrisjen1@orcon.net.nz Secretary

harrybayliss@xtra.co.nz

Bean On Thames Oamaru 175 Thames Street ,Oamaru. 10% off coffee, tea & food made on site *not in conjunction with any other offer.

Central Furnishers Oamaru 219 Thames Street - 10% off Fabrics, Tracks & Blinds *not on sale goods.

Fotographix Oamaru 205A Thames Street - 39c 6x4 prints, 50% off enlargements up to 12”x18”, Free print when buying a frame instore. *Not in conjunction with other offers.

royandmarg@clear.net.nz curd@xtra.co.nz

Shirley Read

Chair

sdread@xtra.co.nz

Region 3 Top of the South

Position

Contact Email

Region 7 Top of the North

Position

Contact Email

Grave’s Saddlery Oamaru 68 Thames Street - 10% discount *excludes repairs and goods less than $50.

Diane Higgins

Secretary

dmhiggins@xtra.co.nz

Joan O’Keeffe

joan.okeeffe@xtra.co.nz

Health 2000

Margaret Faulkner

-

Marilyn Hutchings

okaihau@ihug.co.nz

Jennifer Wiese

-

Cynthia Williams

cynwilliams818@gmail.com

179 Thames street - 10% discount *excluding specials and loyalty card benefits.

Heather Sorensen

eh.sorensen@xtra.co.nz

Pauline Hilliam-Olsen

Carolyn McLellan

balmac@xtra.co.nz

Mary Dale-Taylor

m.t.dale-taylor@xtra.co.nz

Carol Wells

-

Shirlene Packard

-

Margaret Milne

margarwpt@kinect.co.nz

Caron Little

caronhookedup@gmail.com

Region 4 Lower North Island

Position

Wendy Kilsby Joan Black

Contact Email

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL

kilsby.fords@xtra.co.nz Treasurer

Helen Clark

joanblack@inspire.net.nz trevorandhelen25@gmail.com

Janice Mills

Chair

white.rock@farmside.co.nz

Diane McGrigor

Secretary

diane.mcgrigor@kintore.co.nz

Leonora Spark

Region 5 BOP/Coromandel

ljnajspark@gmail.com

Position

Contact Email

Name & Region

Contact Phone

Contact Email

Pat Macaulay

1

03 484 7006 or pat.macaulay@outlook.com 027 201 6921

Bev Bagrie

2

03 302 6166 or drumblade@farmside.co.nz 027 325 6005

Melva Robb

3

03 578 8242 or melva@soundsreflection.co.nz 021 2013 147

Liz Hancock

4

06 308 8812 or liz.hancock@ruralwomen.org.nz 027 486 0845

Margaret Scrimgeour

5

07 533 3681 or margaret.scrimgeour@ruralwomen.org.nz 027 533 3681 027 365 0998

Sue Vowell

tepudeer@xtra.co.nz

Chris Paterson

chrisjam@xtra.co.nz

Jo Gravit

pandjgravit@xtra.co.nz

Lyn Staples

urwinfarms@xtra.co.nz

Judy Board Waikato

6

Kaye Graham

kayebillg@farmside.co.nz

Wendy McGowan

rusty_wendy@xtra.co.nz

Pauline Hilliam-Olsen

7

judy.board@xtra.co.nz pauline.hilliam@xtra.co.nz

The Rural Support Trust 0800 787 254 www.rural-support.org.nz

Doug Avery’s Resilient Farmer www.resilientfarmer.co.nz

Federated Farmers 0800 327 646 www.fedfarm.org.nz or drought feedline 0800 376 844

DairyNZ: Sharemilkers support www.dairynz.co.nz/farm/tactics/support-for-sharemilkers

Farmstrong www.farmstrong.co.nz

SPCA www.rnzspca.org.nz

See the RWNZ website for more contact details for agencies that can assist with support and wellbeing.

22

www.ruralwomen.org.nz

Oamaru

Inspirationz Oamaru 63 Thames Street - 10% discount *on non sale goods Nancy’s Lingerie Oamaru 93A Thames Street - 10% discount *not on sale items or with gold card or Farmlands card.

k.com/ruralw

omennz

/RuralWomenN

Z

Member Nam

e

Membership

Number

10999

Canterbury Ashford Craft Shop

Ashburton

427 West Street - *Spend over $20 and receive 10% discount.

Ashburton Body n Beauty Worx Somerset House, Cnr East and Burnett St. -10% discount.

Design 123 32 Talbot Street - 10% on normal retail

Geraldine

East Street Pharmacy Ashburton 182 East Street - 10% discount & free delivery *within urban area.

Flowers Inc 34 Talbot Street - 10% discount – not on sale items

Geraldine

Fusion Gallery Ashburton 214 East Street - *Spend $50 and receive 10% discount.

Grandpas Wooden Toys Ltd 13 Talbot Street - 10% discount*

Geraldine Ashburton

Mirror Image 278 Tancred Street - 5% - 10% discount.

Ashburton Samantha Rose Flowers 179 Burnett Street - *Spend $50 and receive 10% discount.

Somerset Grocer 161 Burnett Street - 10% discount.

Ashburton

Stirling Sports 74 Tancred Street - 5% discount.

Ashburton

Style Footwear 177 Burnett Street - 7.5% discount.

Ashburton

Paper Plus Oamaru 181 Thames Street - 10% Discount on purchases *excludes Lotto, Postage, Magazines and any product on special.

The Bag Shop 192 East Street - 10% discount.

Ashburton

Style 358 358 Thames Highway - 10% Discount *not on sale items.

Oamaru

The Cottage Panty & Gallery 46 Main Street - 10% discount on pantry goods only

The Florist 185 Thames Street - 10% off all purchases.

Oamaru

The Kitchen Cupboard 34b Talbot Street - 10% discount

North Otago Dispensary Oamaru 213-215 Thames Street - 10% Off retail items *not prescriptions. Free gift wrapping.

Oamaru Sport and Outdoors Ltd Oamaru 223 Thames Street - 10% off all goods *apart from Firearms or goods marked on special.

WIZwireless

Rural Community Support Services

en .o rg .n z

Ballantynes Showcase Jewellers Oamaru 39 Thames Street - 10% Off full retail price *excludes batteries, engraving & repairs. Not in conjunction with other offers.

Administrator

pauline.hilliam@xtra.co.nz

www.faceboo

Lower South Island

Sandra Curd

Contact

ww w. ru ra lw om www.twitter.com

Angela Hammond

Margaret Chapman [Hook]

eledavid@xtra.co.nz

A number of businesses in Region 1 and Region 2 are offering discounts for RWNZ members. A few more have recently joined. The list is below:

Wairarapa Broadband supporting RWNZ

Locally owned and run hands-on tech support. 10% discount on monthly fees and 5% on installs in our coverage area which is throughout Wairarapa and parts of Tararua. Call today to get real broadband internet 06 370 9210. Whether you have direct line of sight to one of our many radio sites or not we can provide you and your community with various broadband options.

T&C for the install as per our website; www.wizbiz.co.nz

Oxford Geraldine

Latitude Magazine Subscription 1 year $45 for six issues - $40 for Rural Women members. 2 year subscription normally $75 – now only $65 for Rural Women Members.

Members should use the Coupon Code – RWNZ1 (for 1 year subscription) or RWNZ2 (for 2 year subscription) on our website www. latitudemagazine.co.nz to order their subscriptions.

For full information please refer to the Rural Women New Zealand website Business Directory.

* conditions apply If any Branches would like to work with any businesses in their area to offer RWNZ members discount for services and products, please contact the National Office for further information, advertising material for participating businesses and ordering the membership cards. The Business Directory lists rural businesses who support RWNZ. Members can also advertise their businesses in the Directory. Contact National Office for details. www.ruralwomen.org.nz

23

TE RAHU COMEDY CUP RACE DAY

The 2017 Comedy Cup was hosted by Te Rahu

welcomed to “trackside”, prior to the

There was no “off track betting” and the day

branch on Tuesday June 20th with a race day

commencement of the “races” which started

theme: The Up and Running Race Day.

concluded with awards of polyanthus plants

with The Te Rahu Maiden Handicap Quiz, The

The event was held at the Mangapiko

Shoe & Steak (horse shoe throw), Tearaway

hall which was decorated with racing

Cup (making a horse from newspaper and

newspapers,

and

other craft materials) and Horse (an equine

team did a tremendous job with wonderful

sashes. 36 people attended the event from a

version of Beetle). All results were recorded

member participation from across the

number of branches in the region.

on the totaliser board.

Raffles and red socks were purchased as

A fashion parade was judged in two

“punters” entered the “race course” and they

categories (elegant and humorous) followed

horseshoes,

trophies

enjoyed a lovely morning tea.

The “Call to the Post” was made and everyone

wrapped in racing newspaper. The races really are a great day out and the organising

branches.

The overall prize for the Comedy Cup was

by the judging of hats, fascinators and

awarded to a combo team from Mangapiko,

decorated horseshoes.

Paterangi and Te Rore branches.

Rural Women New Zealand National Office Level 5, 86 Victoria Street, Wellington PO Box 12-021, Thorndon, Wellington 6144 www.ruralwomen.org.nz

04 473 5524

0800 256 467

© 2017. Rural Women New Zealand Inc (and subsequent years) All rights reserved. This publication is entitled to the full protection given by the Copyright Act 1994 to the holders of the copyright.

Reproduction of all or any substantial parts of the publication is in breach of the copyright of the publisher Rural Women New Zealand Inc. This copyright extends to all forms of photocopying and any storing of material in any kind of information retrieval system. All applications for reproduction in any form should be made to the publishers – Rural Women New Zealand Inc.