E ngā rau rangatira mā, e kui mā, e koro mā, e huihui mai nei i tēnei wā, tēnei aku mihi māhana ki a koutou. Nau mai, haere mai rā ki Te Whare o te Kawana Tinara o Te Whanganui-a-Tara.
I wish to begin by specifically acknowledging: Heather Sorensen, President, Rural Women New Zealand; Nicole Oliver, Board Chair, Rural Women New Zealand; Pat Macaulay and Margaret Vickers, Rural Women New Zealand Life Members; Nicola Rae, Rural Women New Zealand Member.
Tēnā koutou katoa.
It is a privilege to share in your centenary celebrations by hosting you here today at Government House Wellington. As your patron, I have a vested interest in the success and wellbeing of Rural Women New Zealand and its members. I am proud to continue this long-standing tradition of patronage enjoyed by previous Governors-General or their spouse – a relationship maintained since 1927.
Two years prior to that, Rural Women New Zealand began right here in Wellington when a small group of farmers’ wives realised they shared similar challenges and goals. One can imagine the comfort these women must have felt in knowing they were not alone in their feelings of isolation, hardship, and loneliness, but that these were shared by many who had made their home in rural New Zealand. That is not to say these women were without agency – rural communities have produced some of our most influential businesswomen, artists, authors and leaders.
In recent years, severe weather events have tested the resolve and resilience of rural communities. Earthquakes, floods and cyclones have highlighted the fragility of our natural world. As a community whose livelihood is inextricably tied to the land, these events impact you not only financially, but emotionally. The networks of care fostered through Rural Women New Zealand are integral to providing support in these difficult times. I commend your commitment to striving for more equitable health outcomes for our most geographically vulnerable communities.
These weather events have also emphasised how crucial it is that rural communities continue to innovate in order to thrive. Just as those original cohort of women did back in 1925, this generation of Rural Women New Zealand members play an active role in improving the working and social lives of the modern day farmer. I applaud the way you so strongly advocate for rural women – ensuring their lived experiences are considered when we look towards New Zealand’s future.
Japanese farmer Masanobu Fukuoka once said: “The ultimate goal of farming is not the growing of crops, but the cultivation and perfection of human beings.”
Rural Women New Zealand understands that the rural sector is an active and lived relationship between land and people. It is an organisation shaped by a century of knowledge passed down through generations of women who have farmed, raised families, and made their livelihoods on the land. By providing both practical workshops and holistic support,
members are empowered to succeed, and supported to lead rich and connected lives.
Congratulations, once again, on reaching this significant milestone. It gives me great pride to serve as your patron, in this most momentous of years for Rural Women New Zealand. I am grateful for the opportunity to meet many of you and hear more about the integral work you do in your rural communities.
Ngā mihi nui. Kia maia, kia manawanui, kia kaha e koutou.