MEDIA RELEASE
20 September 2010
For immediate release

Rural Women New Zealand supports earthquake families

Rural Women New Zealand members are rallying to support rural families affected by the Canterbury earthquake.

“In these situations Rural Women New Zealand really shines,” says National President Liz Evans. “Members have offered holiday accommodation to give quake-affected families a break, taken supplies to the Civil Defence centres, as well as sending in donations for the relief funds.”

RWNZ members are also coming forward with offers of assistance for farm work, child care and housework to support stressed families who are working long hours to rebuild their farms.

RWNZ’s Canterbury National Councillor, Kerry Maw, is a member of the Rural Recovery Group’s Welfare subcommittee, under the Selwyn District Council, which today began planning a series of community meetings around the district.

“These meetings will provide a mini expo of information - both farming technical, and information about support and advice available from various agencies and government departments,” says Kerry Maw.

“It will be an opportunity for people to come together to share experiences, socialise, talk, and support each other. As we are coming into school holidays the meetings will be "family friendly", providing children’s activities so that the adults can focus on the information being provided.”

It is hoped to hold the first of these meetings within the next week or two.

Rural Women New Zealand has also received funding from MAF’s Adverse Events Committee for community support events. The first of these has already been held in Kakahu, an area that has many migrant workers who were particularly shaken by their first experience of an earthquake.

Up to $200 is available for each community support event. Applications for funding should be made to RWNZ’s executive officer, Noeline Holt. Email noeline.holt@ruralwomen.org.nz or phone (04) 473 5524. Conditions will apply.

ENDS

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