Growing Dynamic Leaders with Rural Women NZ

19 February 2014

Growing Dynamic Leaders with Rural Women NZ

Eleven women from around New Zealand arrive in Wellington today for the start of a three day leadership course co-ordinated by Rural Women NZ and sponsored by Landcorp.

The women - all Rural Women NZ members - are active in their communities and are now looking to grow their communications skills, enhance their networks, and learn more of the work of our organisation at a national level.

“The women will explore what makes an effective leader, how to influence others and the importance of networks both within the organisation and in the broader rural sector,” says Rural Women NZ national president, Wendy McGowan.

Leading this first section of the programme will be Agri-Women’s Development Trust founder, Lindy Nelson, who is also the 2013 Next Business Woman of the Year.

“The women all bring strong skills to the table, and we hope this leadership programme will give them a greater understanding of the role Rural Women NZ plays at national level for the good of rural communities, and how they can be part of that,” says Mrs McGowan.

On the second day, participants will meet members of both the Labour and National parties’ Women’s Caucus, and will have the opportunity to observe Parliament in action.

Vanisa Dhiru, chief executive of Volunteering New Zealand will share her insights into ways to inspire volunteers, while David Chrisp, general manager North Island for Access Homehealth Ltd, will be encouraging the participants to take an active role in the community through the home healthcare sector.

During 2014 Rural Women NZ is partnering with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD) to bring It’s OK to Ask for Help to rural communities with a letterbox sticker campaign. Wellington-based MSD staff, Sheryl Hann and Stephanie Edmond, will present on the need to change the way New Zealanders act and think about family violence.

As broadband becomes more widely available in rural communities, online communications and connectivity are becoming increasingly accessible. David Farrar, Kiwiblog founder, will talk about the possibilities social media presents for rural.

Landcorp will kindly host the group for lunch on the final day of the leadership course, with the opportunity for the women to network with the new CEO, Steven Carden, and other staff.

Participants in Growing Dynamic Leaders 2014

ENDS

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