Rural Women New Zealand

Kia ora koutou.  Greetings to you all.

I want to specifically acknowledge: the Prime Minister, the Rt Hon John Key; Hon Nathan Guy, Minister of the Crown; Liz Evans and Noeline Holt, National President and Executive Officer of Rural Women New Zealand respectively and members of the National Council - tēnā koutou katoa.

I am delighted to be here today both as Patron of Rural Women New Zealand, and because I have a keen interest in the work you’re doing to ensure our rural communities remain strong.  I am pleased to note that Rural Women New Zealand is working to help grow dynamic communities, through what are ambitious and innovative methods.  It seems, your efforts are delivering good results, which I will mention later.

It’s special to be able to welcome you to Wellington, the birthplace of Rural Women New Zealand in 1925.  Rural Women has come a long way since 1925, when it formed under the rather unwieldy name “Women’s Division of the Farmer’s Union”.  Although the name has long since changed, this is a homecoming and I am pleased to be able to share that with you today.

The decision to be the patron of Rural Women was an easy one for me.  Although Jerry and I have been selective in agreeing to patronages, we are committed to supporting our patronages in whatever way we can.  The 168 organisations we have chosen to support are those that fit with our aims and aspirations for our time in Government House.

Let me say that my decision to be patron was made easier by Rural Women’s commitment to providing a voice for rural women, and for rural families.  I grew up in a farming community near Whanganui, and, like many Kiwis, I have a keen interest in rural New Zealand.  The work you do in terms of advocacy; and charitable and social initiatives is extremely important to the continued good health of the rural sector and New Zealand.

One of the duties I have enjoyed, as patron, has been to judge the Rural Women New Zealand Provincial Presidents’ reports.  Reading each report has updated me with what you have been doing.  It has also provided me with insights about the scale and diversity of the work that is being done.  The community initiatives, around wellbeing and education, are of particular interest to me.

I am also pleased to note that Rural Women New Zealand is playing its part on the international stage.  I had the pleasure of having dinner with National Councillor Kerry Maw, in Christchurch earlier this year, and am proud to learn of her appointment to the UN Committee of Associated Country Women of the World.  I think this is a testament to Kerry’s skills and attributes, and also indicative of the respect the international community has for New Zealand’s rural expertise.

Increasingly fewer New Zealanders have first-hand experience of rural life, or understand the needs of rural communities.  In providing a rural perspective to urban New Zealanders, Rural Women New Zealand highlights the realities of farming in this modern era.  As you all know, the nature of modern farming, subject as it is to the vagaries of weather, and the peaks and troughs of consumer demand, is very good at forcing people to develop their entrepreneurial side.  Some innovative and practical rural enterprises are being established.  What we have to acknowledge is that farms, and rural enterprises, are multifaceted businesses. 

In this context, women in rural communities need to be, and are proving to be, astute business women; whether in partnership or in going it alone.  The success of the Enterprising Rural Women Awards shows that we have much to celebrate in terms of entrepreneurship and innovative thinking.  By celebrating the success of our women, Rural Women New Zealand is showcasing what is possible, and providing positive role models for other women to emulate.

I expect that at this AGM you will take some time to take stock of achievements, and to look ahead to the future.  There is much for you to be proud of.  For example, the awareness campaigns like “Y-Front Up to Prostate Cancer”, and adherence to the 20 km/h speed limit for passing school buses.  These campaigns save lives and have a direct impact on the health and welfare of people in our communities.

An AGM is also a time to celebrate the people who make our organisation vibrant.  I’d like to acknowledge the incredible contribution of Liz Evans, who steps down as President after three-and-a-half years.  I thank you Liz for your dedication, commitment and leadership.

As Rural Women New Zealand looks to the future, we should recognise the challenges and opportunities ahead.  Next year is the International Year of Family Farming, and I know Rural Women New Zealand will be taking a leading role in organising events to mark that. However, I encourage you to continue the good work already started, and to identify new initiatives. 

In conclusion, I return again to the idea of building dynamic communities.  What is a community, but people?  People are our most important asset, and the work you do to improve their health and wellbeing, to provide educational opportunities, and to advocate on their behalf is an investment in the future of all New Zealanders.

As a wise person once said, “The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”   Thank you for your welcome, thank you for your attention, and I wish you well for the coming year.