Rural Women Alive!

RURAL WOMEN ALIVE!                          

No. 63 – 1 June 2007

National Conference 2007

National Conference was an overwhelming success, judging from the feedback.  We heard inspiring speakers, enjoyed polished entertainment, presented prizes and trophies to competition winners, did plenty of networking and socializing and had the opportunity to honour those who are moving on after serving our organization at the highest level.

After 32 years with the organization, the last three as National President, Sherrill Dackers was made a National Life Member.  Sherrill has shown great determination in representing rural women and communities during her presidency, particularly through her special interest in health care and homecare.

Southland/Otago national councillor, Rhonda Riddle, was made a National Member of Honour.  Rhonda is stepping down after six years on council, and her practical, commonsense approach will be missed.

We welcome Margaret Chapman of Kakahu near Geraldine as our new National President.  Margaret is passionate about our organization and the role it plays in strengthening rural communities and supporting individuals. 

Leptospirosis Fundraising Campaign Re-launched

Delegates to conference overwhelmingly agreed to re-launch a national fundraising campaign to help Massey University with its ongoing leptospirosis research.  This will see a revival of a major fundraising effort undertaken in the 1970s and 1980s by WDFF, as Rural Women New Zealand used to be called.  Our organization raised nearly $200,000 for leptospirosis research, particularly relating to dairy cows and pigs. 

At conference Dr Jackie Blenschop said the incidence of the disease is now increasing in deer and sheep and the exposure of humans to this very serious disease is now more prevalent in meat workers, and farmers in sectors other than dairy and pork.  Leptospirosis is the most common notified workplace disease and we are keen to assist the Massey team, which is short of funding, to continue with their important work, and hope that our contributions will be matched by other funding sources, including the Government. 

For any branches who would like the CD that Dr Jackie Blenschop spoke to at conference, please contact enquiries@ruralwomen.org.nz.   A fact sheet will also be being sent out with the next mailout to branches, to support your fundraising efforts.

Homecare Travel Costs

Rural Women New Zealand is to launch an action campaign to see a co-ordinated and sustained effort at both national and regional level, to convince Government and District Health Boards to adequately fund travel costs for home support services, particularly in rural areas.  An extra $82.1 million of funding was given in the recent Budget.  We welcome this increase but want all DHBs to include in their contracts a differential for the cost of providing services in rural areas, as opposed to urban areas, to account for travel costs.

RWNZ has its own not for profit home healthcare company, Access Homehealth Ltd, which is the largest home healthcare provider in the country, with 3,500 carers assisting 12,000 people in both urban and rural areas.  The company also has a training arm which provides training courses and certification for carers.  Access Homehealth is always keen to find more home support workers, particularly in rural areas.  If you are interested in finding out more about employment opportunities, please go to www.access.org.nz/index.cfm/Employment/Index.

Director’s Course Scholarship Winner

Owaka member Hilary McNab was announced as this year’s Meat & Wool Board-sponsored scholarship winner.  She will attend a five day Director’s Course at the NZ Institute of Directors in Auckland.  She says “I decided to apply after being motivated by the Rural Women New Zealand Wellington Experience that I attended earlier this year, and particularly the visit to the Ministry of Women's Affairs.  I see the course as an excellent opportunity to do some professional development and as I have served on numerous committees and Boards it is an opportunity to upskill.  It will move me out of my comfort zone and be a tremendous challenge.”

Members’ Feedback sought - Parental Leave in New Zealand 2005/6 Evaluation

In 2005/06 the Department of Labour evaluated the parental leave scheme to test how well it is meetings its key objectives.  The evaluation explored the experiences of mothers, fathers, employers as well as those ineligible for parental leave such as seasonal workers.  Areas that are working well are:

eighty percent of eligible mothers take up PPL
supporting the health and well-being of mothers and their babies on the birth of a child
providing some financial assistance during a significant period of transition for families, with parents using PPL to extend the overall length of time they spend on leave
a majority of mothers return to work after a period of leave, and the majority of those mothers return to the same employer
employers accommodate changes in mother's work arrangements after they return to work, particularly part-time work and flexible work arrangements.
The evaluation also found some areas for improvement:

parents would like to take leave for twice as long as they actually do - on average, mothers take six months leave but would like to take about 12 months leave; and fathers take two weeks leave but would like to take four weeks leave and at the same time the mother is on leave
parents return to work earlier than they would like due mainly to financial constraints and pressures
fathers are not using the unpaid partners/paternity leave and are instead using annual leave at the time of the birth/adoption of their child
the eligibility criteria mean some working parents are not covered by the scheme including casual and seasonal workers and multiple job holders
employers find it difficult to manage work flows when a parent is on leave, especially single owner businesses who tend to reallocate work amongst existing staff rather than hire temporary staff
Proposed amendments

increase the allowance to provide for the increasing costs of living
clarify the issues surrounding benefits of accommodation when an employee becomes pregnant and uses employer accommodation. The farmer is in effect paying for parental leave.
allocate funds to each child rather than go through the lengthy bureaucratic process of proving employment, providing proof etc.
Please provide any comments or cases where people have not been eligible for paid parental leave by contacting Jo-Anne Stokes on jar_stokes@yahoo.com before the 10th June.

Rural Health Symposium

The Rural Health Symposium is being held in Christchurch on Wednesday 6 June.  RWNZ have four free registrations.  This is a valuable opportunity to be heard.  If anyone is keen to attend they should contact Margaret Chapman on (03) 697 4869.  The aim of the symposium is to use the Edward de Bono approach to problem solving and come up with some solutions about the challenges that face rural communities.

Breast Cancer Conference

Breast Cancer Network (NZ) is organizing the first NZ National Conference for those affected by breast cancer which is to be held in Rotorua from 26-28 October.  The conference theme is “Moving Forward Together – Ahu Whakamua Tatou”.  Dr Susan Love is the keynote speaker and there will be presentations from top NZ health professionals across the breast cancer spectrum as well as workshops etc.  Workshops are scheduled to include women from diverse groups, including rural women. 

Are there any problems or concerns particular to rural women?  Are there any areas where improvements could be made?  If you have thoughts to share or more information please contact brcanz@xtra.co.nz or tel (09) 526 8853 or website www.bcn.org.nz.

Breast Cancer Fundraiser – Our very own Calendar Girls

Winchmore Branch is passionate about its latest fundraising project for Breast Cancer - as those of us at conference can attest.  14 of their members have left their comfort zone and submitted their bodies to pampering to be posed ‘calendar girls style’ down on the farm.  These fantastic fun calendars are for sale at $15 each and the branch hopes to raise $15,000 for Breast Cancer Research from the project.  To order your calendars ring Ngaire Brown (03) 308 1857 or email jnbrown@ihug.co.nz, or contact national office.

Urban Ignorance a Farming Issue

Rangitikei Women in Farming member and president of Federated Farmers Manawatu/Rangitikei, Ruth Rainey, told members at the recent Feds AGM that the challenge is to educate Wellington policy makers on the consequences of their policy ideas for rural communities and businesses.  She said the misconceptions are destined to get worse as we become progressively more urbanized.  The urban rural divide is emphasized by the latest statistics that show 14 percent of Kiwis live in rural areas and occupy 97.3 percent of the land.  She said we need to get more urbanites into agriculture.  Since 1999 the number of agricultural graduates has dropped 35 percent.  Mrs Rainey said more of us should get involved to ensure that policy makers don’t lose sight of the issues or economic reality. 

Speaking of Which ….

Local body and DHB elections are looming.  We are keen to see rural people stand and to support them in doing so.  We will publicise RWNZ candidates’ details amongst our membership, so ensure you let national office know.

To date we have heard from one candidate – Rachael Dean – our RDO for Region 6, who will be standing for the Waikato District Health Board.  Rachael is currently serving on the Health Waikato Advisory Committee for the WDHB.  She is a past City Councillor, Borough Councillor and Southland Area Health Board Member.  Rachael’s professional life has been spent as a Chartered Accountant, internal auditor, project manager, IT and business consultant.  She currently works with her husband in their family business, and originally hails from a high country sheep station.  She is involved with volunteer work, is an RWNZ member, a theatrical armourer and tutors FarmSmart courses.  She also rows, shoots and is an associate lamb judge and Board member for Diving NZ.  Rachael is concerned about issues of access to health outside the big cities.  Her candidacy is endorsed by Waikato Federated Farmers.  She will be available from the end of July to meet and talk with groups, Lions, Rotary etc.  She would also appreciate promotion of her candidacy in any newsletters you produce and can provide a photo.  Contact gwwservices@inspire.net.nz.  

On 9 June Dr Judy McGregor, the Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner, supported by the National Council of Women, is running a workshop on standing for election.  She will cover: why be a candidate? How to write a persuasive profile; how to campaign and how to use the media.  Venue Thames, 9th June.  Contact Sheryll Fitzpatrick - email sheryll@com-trust.org.nz

Unpublished Electoral Role

There are some people who may wish to enroll and vote but are put off because their names would be published on the electoral roll.  Where personal or family safety is at risk, details do not need to be shown on the printed roll.  (Proof of situation required).  Enrolment forms available from a Postshop or by ringing 0800 36 76 56.

Health Board Elections – Government Appointees

We will be compiling a database of suitably qualified rural women willing to stand for District Health Boards to forward to the Ministry of Health for consideration as Government appointees.  If you would like to be considered, or know of someone who would be suitable, please contact Noeline.holt@ruralwomen.org.nz.

Green Fingers?  Scholarships Available

To help more aspiring green fingered business people into the horticulture industry, the Canterbury Growers Society is offering a $3,000 scholarship for the first year of study towards a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture) in horticulture management at Lincoln University.  The scholarship is open to any NZ school leaver with NCEA level three certificate including UE.  For further information contact Jane Edwards, Scholarships Manager, Lincoln.  (03) 325 2811 ext 8748 or email edwardsjl@lincoln.ac.nz

Alumni Mid Year Bursaries

Lincoln is offering Alumni Bursaries for mid year entry for the first time.  These are available to undergraduates starting courses at Lincoln from July 2007.  Each bursary is worth $2,000.  Students from all over NZ are eligible to apply.  Contact Elizabeth Owens (03) 325 2811 ext 8655 or email owense@lincoln.ac.nz

Sort Me – Information from the Retirement Commission

Financial planning for women is slightly different from planning for men; on average we earn less, take more time out from the workplace and live longer.   To help NZers keep a check on their financial situation and learn more about money matters, the Retirement Commission has developed a new online tool called Sort Me.  It covers financial goals, income, debt, savings and investing, assets, big life changes and retirement planning to give a picture of your financial health.  This will help you make an informed choice about KiwiSaver.  Go to www.sorted.co.nz

Rivendell Respite Care for those without Government Funding

This respite facility at Waikuku Beach north of Christchurch can take any adult who does not have government funding for respite and who is experiencing considerable stress or is depressed or fatigued at the time of referral.  Maximum 4 days over any 3 month period.  A letter of referral from a GP, teacher or counsellor will be required.  Contact Jan (03) 3100 463 or email info@rivendellrespite.co.nz or go to www.rivendellrespite.co.nz.   The money to enable this venture to happen was donated by The Canterbury Community Trust.

Women’s Forum with Lianne Dalziel – Ashburton

On 7 June the Minister of Women’s Affiars, the Hon Lianne Dalziel, will be in Ashburton hosting a forum at the Ashburton Hotel from 2 to 3.30pm.  It is a forum for community organizations or individuals working for the health and wellbeing f women in your area.  It will discuss issues for women and report on the progress of the Action Plan for New Zealand Women.  Anyone most welcome to attend.  Feel free to bring friends or colleagues.  RSVP to Pat Duncan on (04) 916 5812 or email pat@mwa.govt.nz.

My Book Your Book

Find it hard to get books for recreational reading?  A new website provides a way to borrow and lend paperback books which can be posted to your home.  Contribute 10 books to the co-op scheme and get access to books listed by others in the online catalogue.  Membership is free for 6 months as this new scheme builds up its library.  The person requesting the book pays for postage.  Good for rural people, good for recycling!  www.yourbookmybook.co.nz.  

Where’s My Cows?  (Dot Com)

A highlight of the Women in Dairying Invercargill Conference recently was a session on using GPS systems.  Want to know more?  Go to www.wherewmycows.com 

Uruguay anyone?

PGG Wrightson is looking to recruit New Zealand farm managers for a subsidiary which is developing dairy and beef farms in Uruguay.  The rural services company has attracted investment of more than $NZ160 million for the South American project and is to add to the four farms it already has there.  NZers will need to be Spanish speakers or wiling to learn, as they will be working with local farmers. 

Draft Tourism Strategy

The draft NZ Tourism Strategy 2015 was released on 17 May.  To have your say go to www.nztourismstrategy.com.  

Brain Injury Awareness Week – 10-16 June

There are 33,000 head injuries a year, many from road crashes.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

6 June – Wairarapa Women in Farming - Discussion group on computer practices at Agriculture House, 28 Perry Street Masterton, from 9.30am.  From 10.30 there will be mini workshops with laptops available to include Computer Concepts, spreadsheets etc.  Tel:  Suzanne van den Bosch (06) 376 0325.

9/10 June Region 4 (Central Region) Conference – Martinborough.    Contact:  Wendy McGregor (04) 905 7569 or wensim@paradise.net.nz.   Theme is Stepping out:  Using the Past to Build our Future.  Pre-conference Friday Frolics in Greytown.  Conference to be held at Brackenridge Country Retreat. 

11 June – King Country/Waipa Lamb and Beef Demo – 11.30am.  Ambassador Chef Damon McGinniss of Bistro 1284 Rotorua.  Hosted by Wharepapa South Branch.  $30 RWNZ members, $35 non-members.  Contact Rachael Dean (07) 827 6778 or email gwwservices@inspire.net.nz.   All Welcome.

13 June – The 10th Fairlie Seminar – ‘What Do I Do Next?’ – Guest speakers Dr Paula Hyde – dealing with emergencies, encountering an accident, unexpected death; Jane Anne McIlraith, policewoman; Dick Ireton funeral director; Gay Fanning Lawyer and Jan Birt Legal Executive on bank accounts, powers of attorney, life insurance, wills and estates; Culhane Petrie and friends – Dragon boat racers – the chosen sport of many women who have had breast cancer.  Registrations to Ronalda Esler (03 614 7275.  Admission $15 members, $20 non members, includes morning tea and lunch.  Hosted by South Canterbury Provincial.

20 June – Amuri Women’s Farm Discussion Group – Field Trip to Christchurch to visit Yenora Organic Farm followed by lunch and afternoon at Rossendale Winery and Brent Rawstron talking on marketing and exporting his own beef brand.  Tel:  Sarah Williams (03) 315 8410 or Sue on (03) 315 6244.  Everyone welcome including non-members.  Meal $22.50 plus bus cost.

17-24 June – Southern Rural Women’s Week This will include a wonderful line up of workshops and events in rural communities all around Southland.  Events include a Pamper Expo for women (Te Anau, June 17th); Digital Photography workshop (Winton, June 18th); Craft Day (Invercargill, June 19th); Art & Wine evening (Gore, June 19th); on-farm Calf Rearing seminar (hosted jointly by Women in Farming and Women in Dairying - Gorge Road, June 20th); Cooking Demonstration (Otautau, June 20th); Farm Office and Finance Seminar (organised by Women in Farming - Dipton, June 21st); Pastel Art workshop (Fortrose, June 21st), Luncheon with guest speaker, NZ actor and humourist Ginette McDonald, (Invercargill, June 22nd) and a Collectibles Roadshow at Lumsden on June 24th.

Flyers will also be available around Southland from the end of May.  Enquiries to Lynley Dean (03) 249 6672  clandean@xtra.co.nz or Val Whyte (03) 2358910 or Dorothy Hay (03) 2165481.

3 July – Beef and Lamb Demo – Martinborough with Rex Morgan at the home of Anne Atkinson.  Contact Wendy McGregor:  wensim@paradise.net.nz or (04) 905 7569. 

18 July – Amuri Women’s Farm Discussion Group – Practical Skills Day, Chainsaws, hand pieces, fencing, water systems and more.

19 August – Amuri Women’s Farm Discussion Group – Midwinter Xmas evening dinner email tim.jen@xtra.co.nz

16 October – World Rural Women’s Day – Theme “The right to food: rural women produce and provide”

19 October – Stratford Taranaki .  World Rural Women’s Day after dinner speaker, renowned cook author and food editor, Annabelle White.  Fingerfood dinner at 7pm.  Entertainment at 8pm.  Contact Rachael Dean:  gwwservices@inspire.net.nz

Newsletter compiled by Jackie Edkins – Communications Officer (RWNZ) Jackie.Edkins@ruralwomen.org.nz.   Would you like to know more about our organisation and how to join?  Go to our website: www.ruralwomen.org.

ends

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