rwnz express

www.ruralwomen.org.nz

Across the country Regional Experience events sponsored by Landcorp are taking place with the theme ‘Becoming a Leader in your Community’. To date we have seen events in the Top of the South, Taranaki/Waikato, Manawatu and North Auckland.

The Top of the South came together in St Arnaud in very chilly conditions, but the event itself was warm and buzzing as the picture above shows! Participants heard from inspiring leaders John Ayling (chair of Access) and Suzanne

SEPTEMBER 2011

Regional Experiences

roll out around the countryWin (former chair of the Nelson/Marlborough DHB), as well as presentations from Liz Evans and Jackie Edkins about RWNZ, and thought-provoking discussions led by Heather Sorensen, Sue Higgins and Michelle Reilly.

The Taranaki/Waikato group met in Hamilton and was treated to a visionary presentation by Liz Evans, a morning workout on women’s health by Hillary Saxton and some inspiring presentations by Tineke Verkade, our RWNZ Enterprising Rural Women Award winner 2010,

Donna Blackburn from Telecom and Anna Yardley from AgITO.

At the Lower North Island event attendees enjoyed a panel discussion on Women in Leadership, a speaking with confidence presentation, and insightful presentations by Liz Evans and Dame Margaret Millard.

A highlight of the Top of the North Island event was the enthusiasm of the new members who took part, including three individual members who made plans to form an email group.


Editorial - Liz Evans, National President Dear members,

Recently I was invited to attend the 80th birthday celebration of Brightwater Branch in the Nelson Provincial of Region 3 - Top of the South. Another guest was Tim King, an elected member of the Tasman District Council and member of the Brightwater community.

We spoke at some length about local government issues in the area, not least of which is the proposed amalgamation of Nelson City and the District Council and the impacts – positive and negative - that this might bring to rural residents and ratepayers. But what was really great was Tim’s opinion and experience of Rural Women New Zealand and the contribution members make to local debates and concerns.

Tim told the gathering that Rural Women New Zealand has the reputation as the organisation which values and promotes the three C’s: commonsense, consistency and compassion. The submissions and representations made to local councils and other groups by members, often with the specialised assistance of our staff, must be hitting the mark, and it is encouraging to hear some positive feedback.

Along with Tim’s list of C’s, I would include three more: RWNZ is credible, competent and critically acclaimed.

With the general election now not far away, we, as RWNZ members and community leaders, need to make ourselves aware of the rural issues and be prepared to make our opinions heard. However, in today’s world it is often not enough just to continually point out what is wrong. We have to offer workable, evidence-based solutions.

To help you with rural advocacy for the election, we have developed some “hard questions” from our policy portfolios and an up-date of last election’s very popular manifesto.

We had a trial run of some of our hard questions when the Minister of Health, the Hon Tony Ryall, (right), visited our recent National Council meeting. Contrary to expectation, the Minister did not use the time to talk exclusively about party politics. In fact, after the introductions, he sat down at the table and asked us what we wanted to talk about.

We asked him specifically to review the effectiveness of the 2007 Fair Travel Policy for home support workers

who have to use their vehicles to travel to clients in rural areas with very limited recompense (about 20c per km). Few, if any other, workers in New Zealand are required to self-fund travel between various places of work several times per day.

Mr Ryall said he would re-evaluate the policy and asked for some specific examples of support workers who have been disadvantaged. We asked him to put home-based support services, often the Cinderella area of health funding and status, higher up on the priority list, especially when considering inflation price adjustments. He said he would look at it if re-elected.

Other topics covered during the hour-plus meeting included the need for more support for rural-based midwives, the advances in technology related dementia care, and rural dental health, which Mr Ryall said is increasingly becoming a major problem for the over 65’s age group, as well as for rural children. The Minister’s future specific targets included shorter waiting times for elective surgery, cancer treatment and emergency department consults; a 90% immunisation rate for 2 year-olds, affordable stop smoking programmes and more focus on cardio vascular disease and diabetes.

As he left our office complete with a pair of corporate aftersocks, Mr Ryall thanked Rural Women New Zealand “for all that you do”.

Footnote: The Brightwater 80th birthday party was all the more notable for the branch’s embrace of our new brand. The cake’s icing and decoration was resplendent with our new logo in the correct colours. It looked fabulous and I can assure all other cake decorators that our new graphic is able to be replicated on a cake!

Kind regards, Liz Evans, National President

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New National Councillors, (l to r) Mary Dale-Taylor, Margaret Pittaway and Shirley Read

Mary Dale-Taylor, National Councillor, Top of the North Island, Region 7

Mary lives on a small lifestyle block on the outskirts of Whangarei. She has been involved with Rural Women New Zealand since 1999 and is a member of the Kiripaka Branch. Mary has a particular interest in education.

“Top of the North Island, membership and growth is a priority and new energies and strategies must be created to achieve this,” Mary believes. She is looking forward to working with a team of members who share the same vision - women who care for the betterment of those living in our rural communities and for Rural Women New Zealand.

Margaret Pittaway – National Councillor, Lower South Island, Region 1

Margaret joined RWNZ in 1996. She was the founding member of the Central Otago Women in Agribusiness Group, past

president of the Cromwell Branch and Central Otago Provincial.

As a retired nurse her key specialties are in rural health and social issues. Margaret says she is “looking forward to working with members in the lower South Island and growing the strength of RWNZ together!”

Shirley Read, National Councillor, Waikato/Taranaki, Region 6

Shirley has been a member since 1990 and has held various positions within RWNZ, including secretary, president and provincial delegate. She has also previously held the position of president of the New Plymouth Toastmasters Club.

Shirley currently runs a dairy farm in Urenui with her husband and son. She has a passion for rural New Zealand which she plans to continue to develop as part of her role on the RWNZ National Council.

Other appointments

Welcome to new Councillors

Wendy McGowan has been elected National Vice President for the coming year.

As announced at National Conference, Marie Appleton was elected National Finance Chair.

Pam Thomlinson is the new Competitions Convenor.

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National Council and staff were invited to Government House in Wellington to farewell their Excellencies, the Right Honourable Sir Anand Satyanand, GNZM, QSO, and our Patron, Lady Susan Satyanand.

Lady Satyanand welcomed everyone to the grand house and shared stories from the events of the last four years. Everyone enjoyed the tour through the newly refurbished house as Sir Anand Satyanand and Lady Satyanand enjoy their final weeks in residency.

Government House

farewell with our

The house, now fully refurbished and looking spectacular, is full of treasures from the past, including over 30 hand stitched dining chairs made by the Women’s Institute. The chairs were commissioned by Lady Freyberg in 1951 for a visit by King George VI. Unfortunately he never made the visit due to illness, and passed away shortly afterwards in 1952.

The chairs have been in almost constant use at Government House for almost 60 years and depict the crests and names of many New Zealand towns.

Patron

Tarras RWNZ group celebrated the memory of their past member Heather Perriam with a seat dedication on Sunday 24 July outside the Tarras Merino shop.The bench seat and brass plaque were donated by Tarras Rural Women in the memory of Heather who was an outstanding contributor and very valuable member of the Tarras branch.

Presbyterian Minister Catherine Little dedicated the seat with a reading, followed by the unveiling of the plaque by two of Heather's grandchildren, Fergus (5) and Lucy (9), pictured here with branch president Sue Rutherford.

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New! Ever thought of experiencing an original Outward Bound course but thought it too difficult, expensive or only for the young?

Rural Women New Zealand is offering the opportunity for one member to take on the mental and physical challenge of participating in an eight day Discovery Experience at Outward Bound at Anakiwa in the Marlborough Sounds.

The Discovery Experience has been developed for 27 to 40 years old and over 40s. Course date options are as follows:

Age Begins Finishes Group

27-40 Fri 14 Oct 11 Fri 21 Oct 11 40-75 Sat 05 Nov 11 Sat 12 Nov 11 27-40 Tue 31 Jan 12 Tue 07 Feb 12 40-75 Mon 13 Feb 12 Mon 20 Feb 12 40-75 Tue 28 Feb 12 Tue 06 Mar 12

We are seeking expressions of interest from members for this exciting self-development and leadership opportunity.We will pay the course fee for the successful applicant, who will need to meet their own travel expenses.

For more details talk to our EO, Noeline Holt, or Top of the South National Councillor, Pam Thomlinson (who lives in the Sounds) ph 03 5742 380 email [email protected].

Secrets of the

Style DoctorEnjoy an evening full of fabulous fashion, girly gossip and super stylishness! Direct from her stints on TVNZ’s Breakfast show and the pages of several magazines, join New Zealand’s own Style Doctor, Jackie O’Fee, as she steps out of her closet and shares her secrets of effortless style at the North Island Farmlands Ladies’ Nights.

RWNZ is excited to be working with Farmlands again during the Ladies’ Nights following last year’s successful partnership.

$12,000 from this year’s events will be given to Rural Women New Zealand to distribute to six rural schools for road and traffic safety projects.Tickets are $35 each and are available from your local Farmlands store or call 0800 427 636. Take the opportunity to get involved in a fun night and help spread the word about Rural Women New Zealand!

If you are keen to fly the flag by having a Rural Women New Zealand stand at one of these events, then please get in touch with Emma Humphrey at national office (04) 473 5534 [email protected].

LADIES NIGHTS DATES

4 Oct Gisborne Bushmere Arms

5 Oct Hastings Hawke’s Bay Opera House

11 Oct Masterton Copthorne

12 Oct Palmerston North Awapuni Function Centre

13 Oct Wanganui Infusion

17 Oct New Plymouth Pukekura Raceway

18 Oct Whangarei A&P Showgrounds Barge Park

25 Oct Hamilton Karapiro Events Centre

26 Oct Tauranga BayPark Stadium

27 Oct Whakatane Awakeri Function Centre

Congratulations to the following who were awarded Rural Women New Zealand Education Grants of $500 recently to assist with their tertiary studies.

Ahera Carlson, Hamilton

Amanda Henriksen, Darfield

Sarah Watson, Palmerston North

Jane Ross, Portobello, Dunedin

Education Grants

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Recent Awards

Congratulations to South Canterbury Provincial who were runners up in the Health and Wellbeing section of the South Canterbury Region Trust Power Community Awards.

The award recognised the Provincial’s contribution to the community, in particular their involvement with the Communities Knitting Together project and support of the Farmy Army, the Let’s Get Plastered for Breast Cancer project, the Fairlie seminar on Food Allergies (which was attended by over 150 people) and their display at the Timaru Library to raise awareness of the 20kmh speed limit past school buses.

RWNZ SERVICE AWARDCongratulations to Top of South member, Margaret Hurley, and Taranaki member, Joyce Orr, who recently received RWNZ Service Awards for their valuable contributions to our organisation.

We are already planning a stimulating and action-based programme for our national Growing Dynamic Leaders course to be held in Wellington from February 15-17, 2012.

This Landcorp-sponsored course will be held at the RWNZ National Office and will include opportunities for leadership growth, meeting and evaluating people in top positions in Wellington and extending personal knowledge and experiences.

We are now seeking expressions of interest from members who want to take this next step and take part.To apply, write and tell us why you want to be part of this leadership course, what you hope to contribute and how you would use what you learn to be even more effective in your local

community.

For more information, contact EO Noeline Holt, ph 04 473 5524 email: [email protected].

Our 2012 Growing

Dynamic Leaders course

is nearly here!

To extend our support of the New Zealand wool industry, National Council has decided to make our wool competition an annual event.

RWNZ members have a wealth of creative ability and know-how when it comes to natural fibres and hand crafts. The 2012 Wool for Ewe and Me competition will be a crochet cloche (adult sized brimless hat) and matching scarf. See the full specifications and details in the competition section of this RWNZ Express.

New! Wool for Ewe and MeFUN AND FACTS DAY

Nelson Provincial’s Fun and Facts Day was held at Brightwater on a very bleak day but there was lots of buzz going on with over 50 people attending. In the morning workshops were held for Home Maintenance, Container Gardening, Scarf Tying, Making a Felt Flower, and Food Review for Seniors. After a shared lunch Fiona Newey, from the Nelson/Tasman Cycle Trail Trust brought everyone up to speed on the new Cycle Trail which will go from Richmond to Wakefield and from Richmond to Mapua. A very interesting day!

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Branch Birthday Celebrations

SCOTTS FERRY BRANCHScotts Ferry branch celebrated its 50th Birthday with lots of good cheer, fabulous food and great company. “Everybody loves a party, and we had one that was great!”

The venue was the Rangitikei Golf Club, the tables were beautifully dressed as were the guests, and to add interest the place mats were made with photos of the group at the 25th birthday!

Old friends were discovered and visitors arrived from near and far, including Anne Finnie, National Councillor for the Lower North Island, who gave us an interesting speech.

There were pictures laid out of the history of the group and the photos and guest book from the 25th birthday gathering.

Certificates of ‘Service Simply Given’ we presented to Karen Burke, Mary Gordon, Elaine Jeffree, Dawn Nitschke, Zita Jamieson and Judy Gallen.

The whole celebration was a credit to the organising committee which has done an incredible job over several months, utilising the groups many skills from flower arranging to culinary arts and photography. “See you all there in 25 years for our 75th!” says Margaret Hawthorn, Scotts Ferry Secretary.

Our 2012 Growing

Dynamic Leaders course

is nearly here!

Dawn Nitschke the original President of Scotts Ferry branch and her friend Barbara Whitehead the first Treasurer

MAHAKIPAWA BRANCHMahakipawa branch in the Marlborough Sounds celebrates its 85th birthday in October. Congratulations to all involved!

Is this the longest running RWNZ branch? Let us know!

DUNEDIN BRANCHDunedin branch celebrated its 80th Birthday on the 10 May 2011. Celebrations began with the members singing ‘Four girls bright and beautiful, all looking for a man’!

DOVEDALE BRANCHDovedale Branch celebrated its 80th birthday with a lunch for members, former members and visitors from other branches. Before lunch everyone went across the road to the cemetery where an elegant birdbath, a gift from the branch to the community, was unveiled by Diane Higgins, Provincial President. After lunch the Dovedale School children entertained the guests and a lovely chocolate cake was cut by the branch president Nancie Benseman and the oldest member Joy Burnett.

Communities Knitting Together

We have received a very big thank you for knitted beanies from Eastcare Health in Christchurch who said, “You have no idea how much pleasure has been gained from your wonderful gesture.”

Breast Cancer support

We also received a thank you from a recipient of one of our breast cushions who says, “The Breast Care Nurses gave me one of the RWNZ half moon cushions. It has given me great comfort and I love it. This is a very loving thing you are doing for us who are in crisis, thank you!”

Stock on Railway LInes

Livestock wandering in the railway corridor is dangerous for the animals, trains, and passengers.

KiwiRail, the state-owned-enterprise, has written to RWNZ and asked property owners to check their fences and gates alongside the 4000km of rail tracks throughout New Zealand to make sure their animals are secure.

KiwiRail Network General Manager, Rick van Barneveld said that records kept by the company showed that in the past three months, there have been 16 incidents of livestock on tracks coming into contact with trains. Unfortunately the incidents don’t end well for the animals.

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National Council contactsLiz Evans, National President, Phone: 03 572 4809 Mobile: 021 724 809 [email protected] Stonvar, R.D.6, Blenheim 7276

Marie Appleton, National Finance Chair, Phone: 09 238 5545 Mobile: 027 351 6807 [email protected] 9 Puni Road, Pukekohe 2120

Wendy McGowan, National Vice President Regional Councillor Bay of Plenty/ Coromandel, Region Five, Phone: 07 332 3586 Mobile: 027 222 7015 [email protected] 644 Koharoa Road, R.D.2, Rotorua 3072

Mary Dale-Taylor, Regional Councillor, Top of the North Island, Region Seven, Phone: 09 436 1400 Mobile: 021 150 6509 [email protected] 30 Konini Street, Parahaki, Whangarei 0112

Shirley Read, Regional Councillor, Waikato/Taranaki, Region Six Phone: 06 752 3698 Mobile: 027 665 9047 [email protected] 268 Pukearuhe Road, R.D 44, Urenui 4377

Anne Finnie, Regional Councilllor, Lower North Island, Region Four Phone: 06 376 2821 Mobile: 021 145 4409 [email protected] Te Rau, R.D. 3, Pongaroa 4992

Pam Thomlinson, Regional Councilllor, Top of the South, Region Three Phone: 03 574 2380 [email protected] Raspberry Bay, R.D.1, Mahau Sound, Picton 7281

Kerry Maw, Regional Councillor, Canterbury, Region Two Phone: 03 302 0896 Mobile: 0274 780 482 [email protected] 696 McCrorys Road, R.D.11, Rakaia 7781

Margaret Pittaway, Regional Councillor, Lower South Island, Region One Phone: 03 445 1201 Mobile: 021 024 89569 [email protected] 1570 Luggate, Cromwell Road, R.D.3, Cromwell 9383

NB: New emails for all National Councillors

EDUCATIONAnnie Finnie, Chairperson Mary Dale-Taylor, Committee

HEALTHKerry Maw, Chairperson Margaret Pittaway, Committee

LAND USEWendy McGowan, Chairperson Shirley Read, Committee

SOCIAL ISSUESPam Thomlinson, Chairperson Marie Appleton, Committee

Councillors’ Portfolios

Eileen Cochrane, Upper Waitaki branch and National Member of Honour.

Audrey Derecourt, Omokoroa branch

Patricia Wright, Martinborough branch

Joyce Harris, East Invercargill branch

Win Roy, Gore Branch

Verna Wells, Huinga/Stratford branch and Provincial Life Member.

May McGregor, Oparure branch

Rachel Robertson, Whakamatu branch

Dolly Hancock, Horsham Downs branch and Waikato Provincial Life Member.

Olive Wilkinson QSM, Tokoroa branch and Waikato East Provincial Life Member

Ruby Barnet, Inch Clutha, Life Member.

Farewell to old friends

Follow us on FacebookRural Women New Zealand is very active on Facebook these days, which is a great promotion tool for our organisation. Join in and have your say too by going to:

www.facebook.com/ruralwomennz, or www.facebook.com/aftersocks

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Land UseEmissions Trading Scheme: Forests in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) planted before 1990 need to be registered by 30th November 2011. This is mandatory unless an exemption is applied for by 30th September. Post 1990 forests can be registered voluntarily. Further information available on www.maf.govt.nz

Quad bike safety: Farmsafe is working closely with ACC and Department of Labour to develop a practical training course on safe quad bike riding practices. We attended a meeting in March when the concept was launched and participated in a panel discussion. A licence will be offered through FarmSafe in association with AgITO. Processes used will align with NZQA approved unit standards and are flexible to fit with riders experience. For a limited time AgITO is offering a free approved safety helmet to everyone who signs up and completes the training. Further information available by calling 0800 691 111 or visit www.agito.ac.nz

National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT): The original ‘go live’ date of 1 November 2011 for mandatory tagging will no longer apply and is to be deferred to next year. NAIT Limited’s board, MAF and Government remain committed to the scheme, but to provide certainty to farmers and the industry, mandatory tagging will be delayed.

RWNZ was represented by EO Noeline Holt at the Department of Labour Agriculture Sector Action Plan meeting in July. Stakeholders from across the agriculture sector met to develop the plan. The work focuses on the five sectors with consistently high levels of workplace injury, disease and fatalities – agriculture is one of those priority sectors.

Social issuesFreedom Camping: RWNZ supported the main thrust of the Freedom Camping Legislation and the nationwide, consistent approach that the legislation takes. It was noted however that the legislation in its present form does not allow for other visitors such as day trippers. It was further disappointing that the rights of landowners was not included in this legislation but a start has been made.

If you have any problems with freedom campers or others dumping waste matter on private land

EducationEarly Childhood: We made a submission on the Early Childhood Taskforce Report. We believe rural preschools play a key role in the social cohesion and economic viability of their local community and all rural learners should experience effective learning, beginning with the ECE experience. RWNZ conducted its own research in 2007 which noted that most rural children had access only to parent-led playcentre or homebased early childhood education. This has not changed.

RWNZ was able to advise the Playcentre Federation and REAPNZ of the rural situation.

Rural Broadband: RWNZ welcomes the Government announcement calling for expressions of interest for the last two Rural Broadband Initiatives. In one initiative 60 most remote schools may have access to vastly improved broadband via wireless or satellite by the beginning of the 2012 school year. Communities will also have access including improved cell phone coverage. The other initiative will link a further 192 schools (zone 3) to fibre as well as publicly-funded rural hospitals, rural health clinics and some rural libraries.

please call your local council.

Migrant workforce: Some areas are giving driving lessons to migrant seasonal workers. It is hoped that this opportunity becomes more widespread.

HealthRural Drinking Water Supplies: The Green Party has raised concerns about Government cutbacks to a Capital Assistance Programme to support small communities of under 5,000 people to improve their drinking water quality. Apparently one third of DHBs claim this has been a limiting factor in their efforts to ensure the quality of drinking water in small communities. The Ministry of Health will publish their Annual Review of Drinking Water Quality shortly.

Sound Safe Childhood Centres: The National Foundation for the Deaf is promoting a ‘sound-safe childhood centre’ programme, which relies on a noise-activated traffic light type system to indicate to children when noise levels are getting too high, and so encourage the children to be quieter.

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Financial Reporting

In order to meet our obligations under the Incorporated Societies Act and the Charities Commission, the auditors demand that Rural Women New Zealand must have on record the financial returns of all groups that fall beneath the Rural Women New Zealand name.

This means all groups, including trusts, set up with funds originating from RWNZ/WDFF activities.

It also includes any group separately incorporated or registered with the Charities Commission.

Failure to meet any of these obligations is putting RWNZ at risk -

Marie Appleton, National Finance Chair

Pat Evans Charitable Fund

A reminder that if you are seeking funds from the Pat Evans Charitable Fund that the process is to forward your request to the Regional Management Team for approval and sign off by the National Councillor before it will be paid from National Office.

Subscriptions

Invoices will be sent directly to you in November for the 2012 membership year. Payment is due by 31 January 2012. We encourage you to pay directly to the office by internet banking or cheque.

There were several incidences where Treasurers had received subscriptions from members but failed to forward them to the office promptly. As a result these members discovered that they had no voting rights when it came to the National Finance Chair elections.

NOTE: If you wish to have a receipt for your subscription please note with your payment or call National Office (04) 473 5524.

DonationsIf you have made a donation to National Office either for RWNZ or another nationally-led event or fundraiser and would like a receipt, please advise Linda at the office (04) 473 5524.

Upcoming Competitions

TALBOT TROPHYFor the best International Officer Report – closes 30 November 2011.

HONORA O’NEILL TROPHYFor the best Provincial President’s Report - closes 30 November 2011

LADY BLUNDELL TROPHYFor the best Provincial Project - closes 30 March 2012.

WOOL FOR EWE AND ME COMPETITIONA crochet cloche, adult, brimless hat and matching scarf. This is to be made using hand spun wool or commercial double knit wool. All decorations are to be crocheted. The scarf is to be 18cm wide and 110cm long. Verification of wool use must be attached.

Entries to be registered at the registration desk on the first day of National Conference 2012.

CORAL WILDING COMPETITIONA woven flax fascinator, with dimensions no bigger than 40cm. The fascinator must be made of phormum tenax, harakeke or lowland flax. You may also use coloured flax for some decoration but this fades to a paler shades as the flax dries after dyeing. Some decoration of other materials such as feather or shells can also be used, but should not exceed 25% of the total. A headband may be used to affix the fascinator but this will be part of the 25% other material.

Entries to be registered at the registration desk on the first day of National Conference 2012.

THE MARLBOROUGH SHORT STORY Story topic this year is ‘Celebrate’ but writers, give your story its own individual title; it adds interest to the story. The stories can be fact or fiction based on fact. There are two categories:

The regular short story competition is open to RWNZ members who have not had any works published or have not won this competition for the past two years. The entries must contain 1,000 to 1,500 words

The Olive Burdekin Prize is open to any RWNZ member and the entries must contain 1,500 and 2,000 words.

The closing date for the short story competitions is 31 March 2012.

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Region 5’s Te Puke-Rotoehu Branch organized a timely and well received support day recently for women in the hard-hit Bay of Plenty kiwifruit industry.

The day’s programme headed up: “Rising through the Challenge of Psa”, was attended by more than 135 women, mostly in the 20 to 45 age group.

Psa is the rapidly spreading and deadly bacterial disease which affects only kiwifruit plants.

While it kills these plants, it does not affect humans, animals or other plant species.

Principal organisers, Margaret Scrimgeour, Heather Wratt and Jo Gravit put together a

comprehensive programme which focused on the Psa disease and dealing with its business effects, plus personal strategies for people caught in the middle.

Clinical psychologist, Leanne Dunne, gave a presentation titled “How do I look after myself and my neighbour” in times of stress engendered by an external event such as the onset of Psa over which individuals have little control.

Region 5 National Councillor, Wendy McGowan, said many of the women were “devastated” by what had happened to their industry and the flow-on effects to their own businesses. Busloads had come to the meeting from a wide

catchment including Katikati, Tauranga and Te Puke.

“It was a very worthwhile day and many left impressed with Rural Women New Zealand and our ability to make a difference,” Wendy McGowan said.“Doing nothing is not an option” for those affected by Psa, so it was great RWNZ was able to host such an opportunity for women from the kiwifruit industry.”

Ian Greaves of Kiwi Vine Health was part of the organising committee and was very helpful in finding speakers for the day.

Thank you to everyone who submitted recipes and photos. We received 480 recipes, a great effort. While there have been some double ups, particularly in the feijoa and tomato departments, we know this will be a fantastic cookbook. The opportunity to submit a recipe has now closed.

However, we are looking for a name for the new cookbook so here is a chance to get your creative juices flowing! (Remember this is a companion volume to A Good Spread – Recipes from the Kitchens of Rural Women New Zealand.)

Email your suggestions to [email protected] or post them to national office, PO Box 12-021, Wellington.

New CookbookOlder people underestimating risk of deadly melanomaNew Zealanders aged 60 and over appear to wrongly believe they are at low risk of the fatal form of skin cancer, melanoma, according to a new University of Otago study conducted for the Cancer Society of New Zealand.

Yet the incidence of and deaths from melanoma in middle-aged to elderly people in New Zealand has been rising.

Researchers looked at the attitudes of a random sample of 777 men and women aged 40 to 70 and found that participants aged 60-plus seem to regard themselves at lower

risk of melanoma than younger people, and yet their risk is considerably higher.

Data published in 2011 by the Ministry of Health showed that in 2008, of all new melanomas

diagnosed, 58.8% occurred in people aged 60 plus, and only 2.4% occurred in people under 30.

She says no matter what age people are, they need to understand that with early diagnosis, death from melanoma is preventable. If it is left too long, and the lesion becomes too thick, this greatly decreases chances of survival of this cancer.

In 2008, of all new melanomas diagnosed,

58.8 % occurred in people aged 60 plus

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RWNZ’s support for women in the Kiwifruit sector


More Earthquake HelpCanterbury based Rural Women New Zealand member, Helen Heddell, co-ordinated a team of volunteers to deliver lamb roasts to the hard hit areas in the suburbs of Christchurch.

“We have many examples of teamwork from all sectors of New Zealand, with outstanding contributions and ideas from our own membership working with their communities in support of Canterbury”, Noeline Holt said.

Mid East Southland Provincial and Tokarahi group members have also pooled their resources and donated various items including clothing, sleeping bags, and animal-shaped wheat bags to the Christchurch Women’s Refuge and the Dallington Community Hub in the eastern suburbs.

RETURNING OFFICER

Expressions of interest are invited for the role of Returning Officer (RO). The RO will have full responsibility for confirming the following:

- voting strengths,

- voting procedures,

- confirmation of the election result.

The appointment is for four years, in the last year of RO tenure the incoming RO will attend with the exiting RO so that they can learn the ropes.

A Terms of Reference is available on request, refer also to the constitution. Contact EO Noeline Holt, ph 04 473 5524 email: [email protected].

New members on the increase

We have signed up 64 new members since the start of May this year.

Congratulations to everyone for their great work promoting RWNZ. The Lower South Island is setting a high standard with 20 new members! Keep up the great work!

Speech Contest 2012

The title for 2012 will be “It Doesn’t Make the News”. Length 5 minutes.

Regional competitions will be held and the winners details are to be forwarded to National Councillor, Kerry Maw by the 31 April 2012.

Want to have a go, but need some pointers? Tips for what makes a winning speech are available from national office.

New! In response to members requests, National Council has agreed to add an “audience choice” award in the speech contest. The audience will be asked to vote for their favourite speech/speaker during the judging break.

Scotlands Te Kiteroa Trust

A reminder of new dates for applications from this Trust Fund. Applications close 31st December. The AGM will be held 31 March 2012 to review applications. Information and application forms are available on our website www.ruralwomen.org.nz or by calling Belinda in National Office (04) 473 5524.

Adverse Events Funds

We still have MAF funding available for activities that support people affected by the earthquake, drought and other unforeseen events in NZ. If you have any activities or events coming up, or an idea for one, please contact Noeline Holt to discuss possible funding help [email protected] or 04 473 5524.

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Calls for help from the Christchurch Women’s Refuge and the Dallington Community Hub in the eastern suburbs of Christchurch have resulted in a great example of teamwork, with The Warehouse donating a supply of warm pyjamas, children’s underwear, bed socks and hot water bottles.

Within a day of making a phone call to The Warehouse, Executive Officer Noeline Holt had secured a supply of winter woolies from the Wellington branches of the company, which pooled a trolley load of clothing and hotwater bottles valued at more than $600.

Teaming up with

The Warehouse

Awatere Valley Branch recently held a dinner in support of the Ronald McDonald House, Wellington. RWNZ members catered for the dinner, which 23 women attended.

The theme of the evening was clowns and prizes were awarded to the best presented clowns.

Rural Women NZ supports Ronald McDonald House

A call was then made to Allied Pickford Moving Company which generously transported the goods to Christchurch free of charge.

Committee member Anne Robertson and husband Jim get into the groove!

Arabian Nights Charity BallRWNZ Awana branch held a spectacular Arabian Nights Ball in Tryphena on Queen’s Birthday weekend to raise $1000 for their Secondary Educational Scholarship.

Encouraged by the success of the previous year’s event an enormous amount of hard work and preparation went into the ball with committee members Gillian Cran, Helen Mabey, Geraldine Downie, Anne Robertson and Merle White bringing the middle eastern theme to life.

The genie came out of the bottle and the decor included a ‘harem corner’, persian carpet, exotic flower arrangements and a mural featuring elephants, camels and palm trees painted by local artist Peter Edmonds. There was even a belly dancing troupe!

Generous sponsors provided raffle prizes including a basket of GBI Bee Company products; a return airfare on Great Barrier Airlines and a return trip on SeaLink. Angsana Restaurant also gifted food for spot prizes.

Noeline Holt, centre, with a trolley full of warm clothes donated by The Warehouse

RWNZ members Jane Clark and Karin Harrison took the top prizes with their creative outfits!

We have received a lovely card from Ronald McDonald House thanking us for toys that were donated.

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“Hi, I’m Rosemary. On 28 July 2011 I had triplet lambs. My owners thought I was pretty clever! Farmer Anne’s friends have named my lambs Sage, Thyme and Mint. You will be surprised to see how much they have grown! Follow me on Facebook to see what my life is like on the farm in the hill country of the Tararua District in New Zealand.”

www.facebook.com/rosemarythesheep

Rosemary the Sheep is a new RWNZ project designed to tell the story of what life is like in rural New Zealand. We will follow Rosemary through lambing, weaning, docking, shearing, drenching, dipping and more. The aim is to get urban children and adults excited about what rural New Zealand has to offer and to teach everyone something new about the life of a sheep in New Zealand.

introducing Rosemary the Sheep

aftersocks family continues to growOn Friday 12 August we released the latest addition to the very popular aftersocks™ family, a special edition black corporate aftersock™. These are available in both women’s and men’s sizes. Also following many requests our very popular red and black striped aftersock™ has also been launched in two smaller sizes for children.

We are also excited that the English and Australian rugby teams making goodwill visits to Christchurch will be wearing our socks, after the Christchurch City Council bought 200 pairs as gifts.

aftersocks SPECIAL OFFER FOR MEMBERSMembers can now order the following ‘members only’ packs from National Office on a special offer of sale or return to commemorate the first anniversary of the devastating Canterbury earthquake and to encourage your involvement with the aftersocks™ project.

No money is required up front and you only pay for the socks you sell. Money for sold socks and unsold socks must be sent to National office within 30 days. Due to limited numbers we are unable to supply the corporate aftersocks as part of this sale or return offer.

Adults’ Pack 24 pairs of red and black socks @ $20/pair (12 x women’s size 3-8) (12 x men’s size 8-12) (or larger women’s size)

Children’s Pack 24 packs of children’s red and black socks @ $25/pack (2 pairs of the same size per pack)

(12 x 2 pack of size 11-13 (years 4-6) (12 x 2 pack of size 1-2 (years 6-8)

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A big thank you to Precise Print and Cheeky Monkey Hosting for their continued support of this project.


Beef + Lamb

cooking demonstrationsEach year we run a series of cooking demonstrations with Beef+Lamb NZ Ambassador Chefs sharing their hot tips and latest recipes. This year so far we’ve run events in Thames, Wharepapa South, Taranaki, Hamilton and Marlborough.

Pam Thomlinson our Top of the South National Councillor says “Our Beef + Lamb demonstration was hosted by the Awatere branch at Ngaire Lawson’s beautiful new home.

The chef was Grant Dicker from the restaurant Mint in Nelson. He prepared garlic seared lamb backstrap with beetroot carpaccio, pickled walnuts and rocket; poached and grilled sirloin of Angus beef with squash, fondant potato and peppercorn foam; ginger parkin with muscovado sauce and five spice icecream.

“it was wonderful to learn how to let the taste of the food shine through without being overpowered by too many flavours.”The lovely lunch was enhanced with local wines and coffee and sweet nibbles.

EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

While we haven’t yet had confirmation from Beef + Lamb that they will provide Ambassador Chefs for cooking demonstrations, we are seeking expressions of interest for 2012 so that we can advise them of the areas interested. Contact Emma Humphrey 04 473 5524, [email protected].

Beef + Lamb Ambassador Chef Rex Morgan

Janice Smith, Kalolaine Livai and Marilyn Hutchings

RWNZ visit to TongaNational President Liz Evans recently lead a delegation of 13 members to Tonga for the 2011 South Pacific Area Conference of the Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW). Liz, Wendy McGowan, Kerry Maw, Jeanette Tarbotton and Marie Appleton made up the national RWNZ voting strength.

This was also an opportunity for the delegation to showcase our ‘new look’ as delegates took along specially made RWNZ scarves. Bookmarks and pens were also taken to be given as gifts, as well as writing and colouring materials for local school children. Thanks to members and branches who contributed.

Meanwhile members in the North learned more about Tonga when North Auckland Provincial held their meeting at Puketi and invited Kalolaine Livai from Tonga along. She gave a presentation about her life in Tonga and members enjoyed a shared lunch featuring Tongan foods.

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RWNZ - Access

scholarship winner

Congratulations to Jackie Clapperton, an intensive care paramedic from Gisborne who has been awarded $3000 from the annual Rural Women New Zealand Access Scholarship. Jackie plans to use the scholarship to help fund her continued university studies, working towards becoming a Nurse Practitioner.

Currently Jackie is part of an emergency helicopter crew that covers Hicks Bays in the North, all the rural communities of Ruatoria, Te Puia Springs and Tolaga Bay and as far south as Morere, Nuhaka and Te Karaka. Jackie plans to use her greater level of knowledge to offer an advanced level of safety services to her rural community.

Our New Website goes Live! www.ruralwomen.org.nzOur new website is now live! A big part of the new website is our ‘latest news section’ where we plan to have weekly news items about upcoming events, member profiles, portfolio updates and more.

The new website also includes an online forum where you can hold discussions with other members around New Zealand. We encourage you all to jump online and join in a discussion!

For those members on email, keep an eye on your inbox. You will soon be receiving an email with your new login details for our ‘members only’ section. This area will be packed full of useful documents and resources.

Hokonui fashion awardsGlenorchy branch of RWNZ recently went on a trip to the Hokonui Fashion Awards in Gore, partly for the fun of it and partly to support members Amanda Hasselman and Kate Scott who entered the Hokonui Heritage Steampunk Award.

A great time was had by all and what’s more the Glenorchy girls won the section, so there was much to celebrate!

Pictured (l to r) are Kath Cahill, Elaine Kirkland, Amanda Hasselman, Ronda Gollop, Corrine Davis and Kate Scott.

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© 2011. 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 copy-right. 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 photo-copying 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.

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