2011 Rural Women New Zealand Conference

To Liz Evans, National President, to the Life Members and the Members of Rural Women New Zealand, to Ruth Shanks, South Pacific Area President of Associated Country Women Of the World, to David Huebner, United States Ambassador to New Zealand, and to everyone, good afternoon, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.

The excitement of another conference has already begun and by that I am thinking mostly of the fellowship and meetings between the national and provincial representatives as well as the paid staff supporting you.

Thank you for once again inviting me to address and officially open this year’s Conference, as Patron, this afternoon.  Reflecting on the last five years, I congratulate you all on your significant successes.

I have had quite a few opportunities to interact with this marvellous organisation and this will be the fourth time that I have had the honour of officially opening this conference as one year I was away.

Recently I had the honour of opening the uplifting new offices for Rural Women New Zealand and Access Homehealth in Wellington which was a real pleasure.  The offices promise to be efficient and uplifting while holding important memorabilia.

At the launch of A Good Spread last year, I bought Christmas copies before it ran out.  I congratulate you on the book making it to The Listeners Top 100 best books for 2010 - as well as being publisher, Random House’s number ten bestseller for 2010.  What an achievement for those members who provided recipes, and for the organisers.

I read in Express newsletter that, as a result of that success,  Random House are keen to work with you on another cookbook which will focus on such home produce as jams, pickles, preserves, sauces, and relishes.  I know you are looking for recipes and am hoping to add one.

Over time, I have learnt about your contribution to New Zealand society and that you use a wide range of initiatives to make rural communities better and to support women, families and the whole community.

We have been through a rough time over the last year.  There was the September earthquake, the Pike River Mine disaster and then the February earthquake.  As New Zealanders we will have to face up to the physical and psychological trauma and grief as well as the repairing of infrastructure and homes.

It has been so encouraging to see the resilience and initiative that the nation has shown in these times of pain and sorrow.  Our members showed determination and selflessness by helping others in the face of their own or their family’s difficulties.

Members quickly followed through with initiatives such as neighbourhood support events and ‘Communities Knitting Together’.  I think it is simply inspiring that members from all around New Zealand contribute beautifully made woollen garments to counteract the chills of the Canterbury winter.  When a call goes out for fruit cakes for housebound Access clients, an abundance are delivered.  No wonder you’re so knowledgeable about cake recipes!

Adding to their difficulties, rural communities have faced heavy, unexpected snow falls in Southland, and flooding in the North Island which have resulted in the loss of stock and damage to land.  It is at these most difficult times that our members are able to give priceless support to one another, and to the wider community.

Rural Women New Zealand have also continued with charitable activities.  A notable example is the “Getting Plastered for Breast Cancer” project which was launched in October 2010.  That initiative has been recognised with the Kiwibank Special Events Charity Fundraising Award For Excellence Merit Certificate.  I understand that a substantial cheque will be presented on Sunday to the Breast Cancer Foundation.  What an excellent way to get across the serious message about breast care.

The Rural Bulletin is a credit to your recognising the right of rural communities to honest, easy-to-read information on issues relevant to you.  It is a clear demonstration that the organisation is in touch with its constituents.

In your work with Massey on further Leptospirosis research, I was delighted to read that there is now funding from the Sustainable Farming Fund.  Leptospirosis which has a big impact on rural communities deserves a high priority.

Congratulations to the North and South Island winners of the Enterprising Rural Women Award.  That the competition has gone from strength to strength in just three years is due to your encouragement of rural women in business.

I have enjoyed the privilege of judging the provincial annual reports over each of the last 5 years.  It has put me in touch with the varied and worthwhile initiatives made in our heartland over that time.  Annual reports bring a sense of coherence to the activities at the Branch level as well as vision for the year ahead and reinforce the link to the national body and its aspirations.

I wholeheartedly commend Sue Saunders, Jocelyn McIlraith and Jacky Stafford and thank you three for your outstanding commitment and dedication.  I know of some of the contributions you have made.

With my apology to Andre Agassi and his ‘Farewell to Tennis’, I dedicate the following to you all;

The diary said I end my link with you this year,  but what the diary doesn't say is what it is that I have gained.

And over the last 5 years I have found friendship:  We have laughed as I learned about in rural concerns.

I have found inspiration:  You have encouraged me to contribute, sometimes even in my ignorance of country matters.

And I have found generosity:  You have given me your shoulders to stand on, to open your conferences and acknowledge your stars.

Over the last 5 years I have found you, and I will take you and the memory of you with me for the rest of my life.  I thank you.

Would you please now join me for the last time, with an enthusiastic round of applause to celebrate the official opening of the Rural Women New Zealand 2011 Conference.