Rural Women New Zealand Centennial Celebration

This morning, Government House Wellington played host to a very special celebration – 100 years of Rural Women New Zealand.

 

Rural Women New Zealand was founded in 1925, initially as a group of farmers’ wives who had gathered in Wellington for the Farmers’ Union Conference. These women realised they were all facing the same challenges; isolation, health concerns, and a lack of support. As the needs of rural women evolved throughout the twentieth century, so too did the organisation. By 1946 they had joined as the women’s division of Federated Farmers and by 1999 became the independent organisation they are known as today. 

 

As Dame Cindy noted in her speech, 'That is not to say these women were without agency - rural communities have produced some of our most influential businesswomen, artists, authors and leaders.' You can read the full speech here: Rural Women New Zealand Centennial Celebration.

 

Today, Rural Women New Zealand provides networking, training and education workshops, as well as creating opportunities for connection and friendship – seeking to combat those original challenges identified by members back in 1925.

 

Since 1927, a Governor-General or their spouse has served as patron of Rural Women New Zealand. This is a long association which Dame Cindy is pleased to continue, and which makes this centenary celebration at Government House all the more special.