Speech
Rural Women New Zealand
To Margaret Chapman, National President, to the Life Members and the Members of Rural Women New Zealand who are gathered here in Oamaru from all over the country, to Your Worship Alex Familton, Mayor of Waitake, to Jacqui Dean, Member of Parliament, to Divya Dhar, 2010 Young New Zealand of the Year and to other distinguished guests, greetings, kia ora, kia orana, fakalofa lahi atu, taloha ni (sign ‘good evening). These are the languages of the Realm of New Zealand.
I am pleased to have been invited to open Rural Women New Zealand’s 2010 Annual Conference which carries the theme “Diversity in Action – Resilient Rural Communities”.
As Patron, I congratulate Rural Women New Zealand for achieving yet another progressive year. The Government’s rural broadband plan to deliver fast broadband services to all rural households is a significant milestone for all New Zealanders living in rural locations. As society moves further to an online culture, it is important for those, particularly in rural locations, to have access to fast broadband, not only connect with their community, but also to connect with the rest of New Zealand – whether that be for a business or personal purpose.
There has been hardship for rural families and communities. Following on from the widespread drought which affected most of New Zealand from late 2007 until autumn 2008, has come another season of drought. Currently many parts of New Zealand are experiencing the effects of drought. The rural sector, has been particularly affected, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry identifying many areas of rural New Zealand that have experienced a medium-scale drought which we can say is now at an end.
Your goal of ensuring rural New Zealanders do not feel isolated and alone when coping with the stress of drought is an essential support system. As well as the national approach, Rural Women New Zealand have given neighbourly support with BBQs and other such gatherings held, to be together through a tough time. Anand and I visited a Northland farm which was very hard-hit in February. The share-milker and his family were in a sad plight and we often reflected on it as the dry days went on into autumn.
Ironically, it is during hard times that communities gain strength and support from each other and become resilient. Each one of you can take part in the local process of strengthening your community. Community resilience is built up by individual efforts and the Provincial Reports show how many, varied social occasions go on.
Following on from the success of the first “Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009”, which was won by Wairarapa tourist business “Tora Coastal Walk”, comes the announcement of the North and South Island winners of the Enterprising Rural Women Award 2010.
The two winners are here this evening and the Supreme Winner will be announced tomorrow. Congratulations to the North Island prize winner, Tineke Verkade of Homeopathic Farm Support Limited . Your company’s goal - to assist and support famers in improving the health of their animals in a safe and effective way - enhances core farming values.
Equally, I extend my congratulations to the South Island prize winner, Tracey Robinson of Cosy Toes Limited . This is an online and mail-order retail business. It specialises in 100% New Zealand made merino wool socks, clothing and other wool products for babies and children and is filling a gap in the market. Keeping our small children warm is essential.
I wish that both initiatives continue to succeed commercially, although only one can win the national award this year.
Parlimentary historian, Alexander McLintock , in his book published in 1949 on the history of Otago, made a comment about New Zealand pioneer women which reflects the attitudes of a different time. It shows, however, the essential partnership between couples. He wrote:
“On windswept flats, tree-bare and arid, in cheerless valleys or on rocky slopes, with little protection from the relentless heat of summer or the withering blasts of winter, they made their homes and shared their husband’s toil without murmur or self-pity. ”
The Topp Twins are icons of comedy and of farming and prove that the farming community of today is diverse. The embracing of diversity in labour, too, throughout the rural community has added many benefits. I applaud the humanity and pastoral care shown on the job to people and the leadership that Rural Women New Zealand has shown.
To our President, Margaret Chapman, who has had another remarkable year, we all salute you. Your determination and courage as well as the encouragement of all has been the rudder of the ship.
To the Council, made up of representatives of the grass roots, who draw on personal strengths and expert know-how. When thrashing out policies and identifying the vision for the future, you have been the engine or the sails driving the ship.
To the staff who provide so much back-up ably led by Noeline Holt. Your have been the fuel that drives us forward – the wind in the sails.
The Rural Bulletin has been nominated to receive the Landcorp Agricultural Communicator of the Year award in association with the Guild of Agricultural Journalists. A reader of the bulletin, I am pleased to see it being recognised as an objective source of news to rural communities. Congratulations and good luck!
What fun you are to have here in Oamaru as the week begins. You have achieved much but there is much yet to do. By your vision, you set an agenda for the farming community, the backbone of the country, from the women’s perspective.
In declaring the 2010 Rural Woman New Zealand Annual Conference officially open, I wish you well and the courage to realise your objectives - no reira, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, kia ora, kia kaha, tēnā koutou katoa.