Rural Women New Zealand Journalism Award 2009

RURAL WOMEN ALIVE!

No. 90 – 7 September 2009

Rural Women New Zealand Journalism Award 2009

Applications are now open for the RWNZ Journalism Award, run by the NZ Guild of Agricultural Journalists.  Entries must be of two articles/broadcasts based on the theme of “rural women making a difference”.  This could be in the sense of community involvement or in business.  Any NZ-based journalist or communicator is eligible to enter the award. The winner will receive $500.  Entries close Monday 21 September at 5pm.   For full details and entry forms go to our website www.ruralwomen.org.nz. 

International Day of Rural Women / International Year of Natural Fibres

The International Day of Rural Women is held each year on 15 October.  The theme this year is “Rural Women at the Heart of Innovation”.  Many RWNZ groups are twinning this theme with the International Year of Natural Fibres, holding a wonderful range of events with a natural fibre focus. Check out the Calendar of Events below for more information on the exciting activities happening all around the country.  New members most welcome to join in.

Exhibitors’ wanted:  We are seeking exhibitors for one of these events, being held at the Claudelands Event Centre, Waikato.  RWNZ will hold its “International Year of Natural Fibre and International Rural Women’s Day event” on Friday 30 October, and exhibitors have been offered the venue for the rest of the weekend.  Come on board and showcase your natural fibre!  This is FREE to exhibitors and attendees.  We have a stage available and plan to have a fashion show of exhibitors’ creations. 
 

Migrant Worker Support in South Canterbury

Following our media release on the need for rural communities to support migrant workers, the President of our Hook Branch, Margaret O’Connor, has been very active in the lower South Canterbury area, where over 75% of the workforce are migrants. 

Margaret and Courier Country reporter, Ruth Grundy from Oamaru, interviewed several migrant dairy workers around the Glenavy area, resulting in an excellent 10 page article in the Courier Country on 12 August 2009. 

Now English speaking classes have being arranged with North Otago Literacy; transport has been organised to mobile kindergarten for pre-schoolers; books have been given to children to assist with reading; local schools are employing teacher aides to help with non-English speaking pupils; multi-cultural pot luck dinners have been held and information packs for migrants have been made available from Waimate District Council. 

RWNZ Bursaries

A reminder that RWNZ Secondary School Boarding bursary applications close on 30 September.  Anyone (not just RWNZ members) is eligible to apply.  For relevant forms and further information go to:  www.ruralwomen.org.nz/bursaries.htm

Farmer Welfare Workshop

RWNZ will be presenting at the AgResearch Farmer Welfare Workshop being held at Ruakura Hamilton on 16 September.  The aim of the workshop is to identify the key issues associated with farmer welfare and to discuss ways of providing more support to farmers and their families. 

We have made contact with our members and others serving on Rural Support Trusts for on-the-ground feedback.  If you have any thoughts to contribute, please contact Liz Evans, our land use committee member at stronvar1@xtra.co.nz by Saturday 12 September. 

Associated Country Women of the World (ACWW) Conference

ACWW Triennial Conference will be held at Hot Springs Arkansas USA from 21 – 28 April 2010.  If you are considering attending, please notify Marie Appleton by 30 September (if you have not already done so).  Email marieappleton@xtra.co.nz or phone 09 238 5545.  A decision will be made at the October Council meeting as to who will be the RWNZ official delegates. 

Governor General to Visit

Members of Middlemarch Branch are hosting their Excellencies, Sir and Lady Satyanand at a lunch today.  This visit reflects the support and interest that our patron, Lady Satyanand, shows in our organization.

YWCA

The YWCA is offering two scholarships for young women studying full or part time at any tertiary institution in Hamilton.  Each scholarship is worth $2,500 payable in five instalments over the academic year.  Scholarship winners become active members of the YWCA’s governing Board during their scholarship year.  60% of the current YWCA Board, including President Vanessa Burrett are previous or current scholarship winners.

Safety NZ Week - 7-13 September – Injuries in the Home

Did you know that more than 650,000 Kiwis were injured in their homes last year? That's one New Zealander every 48 seconds and 573 of those people actually died of their injuries!  This cost New Zealanders over $640 million through ACC to provide treatment, rehabilitation and support.   ACC is urging us all to be more aware of the risks we face in our homes every day. Visit www.homesafety.co.nz/didyouknowpresentation for more information.

Kellogg Applications Open

Prospectus and application forms for the 2010 Kellogg Rural Leaders Programme are out.  It is open to those who have demonstrated a willingness to assume responsibility in public and rural affairs and have shown definite evidence of leadership potential.  It involves three phases with the two residential phases totalling two weeks fulltime.  Applications close 23 October and forms can be found on www.leaders.ac.nz.

Country Channel on Sky - offer

The Country Channel (99 on Sky) is making a special free subscription offer exclusively for rural subscribers.  Call Sky on 0800 759 759 and quote 6573 and you will receive the first three months of The Country Channel free, a saving of $43.50.  Conditions apply.  Offer ends 20 September 2009.  If you are not a Sky subscriber call 0800 800 759 quote the code 6572 to get Sky installed and receive three months of the Basic Sky package and three months of the Country Channel free.  Conditions apply.  Standard digital installations only.  12 month minimum term.  Monthly subs payable in advance.

Parent to Parent

This organization supports parents of children with disabilities.  It offers a range of training programmes, seminars, presentations and resources, including:  One day personal support courses; two day communication course; ‘Navigating the system’; and Advocacy Support Training.  All Parent to Parent training can be accessed for free by any parent who has a child with a disability or special need, who is interested in learning more for themselves, learning to support others or just refreshing their skills.  For further details and training dates/venues visit the website www.parent2parent.org.nz.

NZ Small Business Summit – 11 September

The NZ Small Business Summit 2009 is being held at the Ellerslie Event Centre, Auckland.  The Summit aims to provide a forum where business owners can engage with key players and gain ongoing support from the Government.  Keynote speakers, policy debate between business owners and politicians, breakout workshops.  Speakers include Hon Maurice Williamson, Ross Robertson, Rod Large, Pam Martin, Murray Thom, Prof Claire Masse and Phil O’Reilly. Registrations and programme available at www.smallbusinesssummit.conz.  

Prostate Awareness Week

For more information go to http://nz.blueseptember.org/blue_september_home.php.  

If you thought it was warm ….

You were right!  NIWA figures show we just had the warmest August on record, with record temperatures in many locations.  Rainfall was well above normal in Westland and in parts of Fiordland and Waikato.  It was very dry in the eastern parts of both islands.  Sunshine totals were well above normal over the lower North Island and well below normal in Fiordland, Westland and in the far north.

NZ Grasslands Association – 71st Annual Conference – 3-5 Novemer

At the Copthorne Resort, Waitangi, Northland.  Invited speakers will challenge the audience “That global warming is a reality and that anthropogenic emissions are threatening our future”.  Other sessions will range from managing pasture in a sub-tropical environment, to pasture feed quality and carbon farming.  Contact Marie Casey eo@grassland.org.nz, or phone 0800 GRASSLAND (0800 472 775). 

Organics Conference – University of Waikato – Nov 13-15

Four leaders in innovative farming practices will be the keynote speakers at the Organics Aotearoa NZ Organic Sector Conference in November.  Dr Urs Niggli, Director of FiBL Switzerland, Europe’s largest centre for organic agricultural research will speak on organic’s contribution to climate change adaptation and mitigation; Prof David Montgomery from University of Washington will talk on global food security; Wijnand Sukkel an agronomist at Wageningen University in the Netherlands will compare productivity, profitability and environmental performance of organic and conventional farming, and Andre Leu, Chair of the Organic Federation of Australia will present on the opportunities Australian farmers have found to trade carbon credits based on increased organic matter content of their soils and the potential benefits for NZ organic producers.

PGG Wrightson and IHC Calf and Rural Scheme extended

You’ve known about the IHC Calf Scheme for a long time, but now the scheme is expanding to all stock.  Under this new scheme anyone can pledge animals to be sold, with the funds raised from those animals going to the IHC in your local area.  For further information go to www.ihc.org.nz.

A Vote for Cynthia – the musical

Helen Moulder’s latest one woman comedy about an opera singer who wants to be Prime Minister – Cynthia Fortitude – is currently touring in Taranaki, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Coromandel and Hawke’s Bay. 

Some RWNZ groups hosted Helen when she toured her last show, and she comes highly recommended by members.  This month (September) she’ll be performing “A Vote for Cynthia” at Eltham (Sat 12th), Matamata (18th), Rotorua (20th), Colville (24th) Coromandel (26th).  Next month the show goes to Naper (1st Oct), Taradale (3rd Oct) and Otane (4th Oct).  For further details email opera@xtra.co.nz or call 0274 987 580.

Helen Moulder says “I would love to be hosted by some more RWNZ groups next year,” when she plans to tour the West Coast, South Canterbury, Otago and Southland in April/May. 

Kiwibank New Zealander of the Year Awards - Nominations Open
The inaugural New Zealander of the Year Awards will honour the New Zealander of the Year, Senior New Zealander of the Year (over 60s), Young New Zealander of the Year (15-30 year olds) and Community of the Year. The Awards have been set up to recognize the diverse talent and achievements of many NZ’ers and the positive contribution individuals and community groups are making to economic, social, cultural and environmental issues, and are a way to say ‘thank you’.  Entry is free.  Nominations are now open, and close on 20 November.  Rt Hon Jim Bolder is the Award patron. For more information email info@nzawards.org.nz

Springtime Diseases Risk for Rural
Springtime sees a surge in the number of gastrointestinal infections (tummy bugs) such as campylobacter, salmonella and cryptosporidium in rural areas – which result in lost time from work/school.  The increase in infections is closely linked with lambing, calving and the care and handling of young animals.  The bacteria and protozoa organisms responsible for the infections are especially prevalent in young animals that have been exposed to them for the first time, excreting large numbers of organisms in their faeces.  Freezing workers, calf rearers, dairy workers and small children on farms are therefore potentially at greater risk.  The best control, say Health Protection Officers, is good hand washing.  Wash hands thoroughly using plenty of hot soapy water, cleaning under fingernails and all hand surfaces for at least 20 seconds and then dry hands using a clean, disposable towel. Wear protective clothing where appropriate and change it before going home.

Paid Parental Leave rates increased

The latest Paid Parental Leave information is now available through the Department of Labour.  The maximum rate for employees and self-employed parents is reviewed on 1 July each year.  On 1 July 2009 the maximum payment increased from $407.36 per week, to $429.74 per week, so employees are entitled to either their gross weekly rate of pay or $429.74, whichever is the lower.  For further information go to www.dol.govt.nz.

Spray tips to protect bees

Bee Smart, Spray Safe, says the National Beekeepers Association, saying it is imperative that growers and farmers keep bees and pesticides apart.  For tips on spraying safely visit www.agcarm.co.nz.  

 
Tips for donors, supporters and those considering volunteering for a charity

The Charities Commission has now registered more than 23,000 charities in NZ.  If you are asked to donate to a charity it is suggested you:  1.  Find out who’s asking.  Many phone calls or on-street collectors requesting charitable donations represent profit making agencies which keep a portion of your donation for themselves or charge fees for their services.  If the person belongs to a profit making agency, you could ask if they are a member of the Fundraising Institute of NZ and comply with its Code of Ethics.  2.  Ask where your donation goes – how much goes to the charity itself.  To find out more call 0508 CHARITIES (0508 242 748).
 
SPINZ (Suicide Prevention NZ) National Symposium – 10-11 September
This Symposium is being held at the Mercure Hotel, Willis Street Wellington.  Registration $270.
 

RWNZ Membership Benefits – What’s in it for me? Go to www.ruralwomen.org.nz
Information:  You will receive copies of the internal RWNZ Express after National Council meetings and Rural Women magazine twice a year
Advocacy:   At a national level we support rural communities by ensuring that the rural voice is heard when policy is being developed in any of our four portfolio areas:  health, social issues, land access and education.
Online Business Directory:  If you are an RWNZ member you can add your business to the RWNZ Business Directory.  To sign up, go to the Business Directory section of our website and click on the Business Directory enquiry form.
Bursaries:   A range of RWNZ bursaries and grants are awarded each year.  Check out our website for secondary school bursaries and the Scotlands Te Kiteroa Charitable Trust grant which close in September. 

Accommodation:   We have affordable accommodation available in Wellington (Honda House) with discounts for members.

Rural Bulletin:  This free monthly publication keeps you up to date with a wide range of issues that affect rural people, and alerts you to consultations and upcoming submission dates.

Membership section:  On our website we have a Members Only section.  This has all the forms, guidelines, merchandise etc.  A password is required.  Contact Belinda@ruralwomen.org.nz for details.

National Conference: Our next National Conference is to be held in Oamaru in May 2010.  Full details in the Members’ Only section of our website.
 
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
12 September – Upper Waitaki Girls’ Night Out – 7.30pm at the Valley Baker, Kurow.  Hot make up demo; wine tasting and great food!  Enjoy a preview of a new local beauty venture; get tips on make up, skincare and enjoy something delcious to eat.  BYO.  RSVP by 8 September. 
 
13 September – Upper Waitaki RWNZ 80th birthday – 11am to celebrate our 80th birthday we invite past members and prospective members to join us for lunch at Omarama Wrinkly Ram.  (Good food and prices).  Introduction to Omarama Hot Tubs.  RSVP by 8 September. 
 
18 September – Kaipara Provincial Rally.  Waitoki Hall.  10.30am.  Entry 2.  Interesting day with good speakers.
 
23 September – Kakahu Branch 75th – lunch for former members hosted by Kakahu Branch to celebrate its 75th anniversary. 
 
28 September – Te Puke-Rotoehu Branch fashion parade with the support of Lynettes fashion store to raise funds for the local Growing Through Grief organization.  7pm at The Orchard.  For more information contact Margaret email jscrim@xtra.co.nz.
 
4 October – Perpetual Trust Small Farm Field Day  - will be held at Rangiora Racecourse.  Exhibitors should get in touch before 5 September 2009 for inclusion in promotional material.  For more information go to www.smallfarm.org.nz or call 0800 762 553.
 
5 October – Kaikohe – Beef & Lamb, with Chef Ian Garner.
 
6 October – International Day of Rural Women Event - North Auckland Provincial Pamper Day - Manicures, massage, make up.  At St Johns Hall, Coopers Beach.  10am.  $2 admission.  Bring extra money for raffles, and your own lunch.  Coffee and tea provided. 
 
9 October – International Day of Rural Women Event – North Auckland Provincial Look and Learn Day – A hands on craft day.  10am.  $2 admission, bring extra money for raffles and your own lunch.  Tea and coffee provided.  Contact Marily Hutchings
 
10 October – Natural Fibre Expo Blenheim – Marlborough Provincial, at Nativity Hall Alfred St, Blenheim from 9am to 5pm. Public admission $2.
 
12 October – International Day of Rural Women Event – Otago – A Natural Coloured Fibre Day (Wool), to be held at Pat Robertson’s farm and shop “Clifton Wool ‘n Things”, 877 Highcliff Road, Otago Peninsula.  Topics:  development of the wool business; display of coloured sheep; a parade of wool garments and products and a display of NZ spinning wheels.  Arrive 1pm for 1.30pm start.  Admission $5 (to be donated to The Otago Community Hospice.  Afternoon tea provided.  Programme mostly under cover, wsear comfortable shoes. 

13-14 October: Women in Agribusiness - BNZ Partners Growth Programme workshop Venue: Taupo Time: 9.00am on 13 October - 3.30pm on 14 October (2 day, 1 night conference) Contact:  Vikki Vidmar, vikki_vidmar@bnz.co.nz / Phone: 09 976 6330
Detail: Ever wondered why some people are more successful than others, how they create more successful businesses or just seem to enjoy an easier life? This women-only workshop will help you identify what really matters in your life and business and give you practical, no-nonsense strategies to help you reach your goals.

Registration information and costs:  visit www.growthprogrammes.co.nz.   Open to all farmers, but prior registration is essential - contact Vikki Vidmar
15 October – Nelson Provincial Expo for International Rural Women’s Day celebrating Year of Natural Fibres – Hope Hall, Main Road, Hope, 10am to 4pm.   C Commercial stalls $10, others free.  Gold coin entry.
 
15 October – Northland – Region 7 – International Day of Rural Women / International Year of Natural Fibres – regional day in Warkworth with exhibitors including flax weavers and others.  At Warkworth Catholic Church Hall, Alnwick Street, Warkworth. 10.30 a.m onwards. Gold coin entry.
 
15 October – International Day of Rural Women – Theme:  “Rural Women at the Heart of Innovation”.
 
15 October – International Day of Rural Women - South Otago Provincial – ‘Rural Women at the Heart of Innovation’ at Telford Rural Polytechnic near Balclutha – great speakers, fashion parades and interesting displays. 
 
15 October – International Day of Rural Women - North Canterbury Wander – Swannanoa Branch will visit “Blessed With Elegance” – women’s clothing with style, followed by lunch.  Then the opportunity to join West Melton branch visiting Hot Rot (nappy composting); Brakenbridge Wools (felting products) and Ohoka Gold (olive oil). 
 
15 October – International Day of Rural Women – Tauranga Provincial – Speakers Pat Old, President Creative Fibres NZ; Jo Gravit on Latvia; Chrissy Jefferson on Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation; Joan Lydgard on flax creativity; Anna Robertson of Silver Bubbles floral workshop.  11-4.30pm, Wesley Hall, Tauranga. 
 
15 October – International Day of Rural Women – Southland – A day out in the country.  Open to RWNZ members and the public, catch the bus and travel to Southern Roses – Edendale; Triflor NZ Ltd Tulips at Edendale; Retro Organic Cheese Factory in Tuturau; Upmarket dairy shed at Edendale; and the Lignite Pit café at Ashers.  Bring snack and drink for morning tea.  Buses leave Forth Street, Invercargill at 9.45am.  Returning 4.30pm.   Bus travelling via Kennington, Woodlands, Dacre Edendale, or #2 bus via Tisbury, Waimatua, Mokotua, Lignite Pit and Edendale and can pick up on route. 
 
17 October – Region 4 Regional Lunch – International Day of Rural Women at Palmerston North RSA, Broadway.  $25 per person.  With a theme of Innovation, Initiatives and Enterprise We have a great line up of speakers: The ERWA winners - Tora Coastal Walk, Helen Worboys of Feilding Promotions, Stacey Cottrill of ‘blacksheepdesign’ and small business specialist Sandra Anderson. A great opportunity to listen to ways of taking a good idea and making it come to fruition.  Make up a car load and phone/email me with your names!  The speakers begin at 9.30am and we will end with a panel discussion and lunch will be at 12.15pm, which will then mean you can have some retail therapy afterwards.  Bookings:  email Anne Finnie – anne.garth@clear.net.nz.
 
19 October – Beef & Lamb demo – Kaikohe Senior Citizens Hall.  $30. 

19-21 October : Strategic Planning - BNZ Partners Growth Programme workshop
Venue: Queenstown Time: 6.00 pm 19 October - 3.30 pm 21 October (2 day, 2 night conference) Contact:  Vikki Vidmar, vikki_vidmar@bnz.co.nz / Phone: 09 976 6330
Detail: Do you know where you want your business to be, but are unsure how to get there? Together we will look at how you currently operate your business, and the plans you need to put in place to realise your vision. Registration information and costs:  visit www.growthprogrammes.co.nz. Open to all farmers, but prior registration is essential - contact Vikki Vidmar
20 October – Rural School Safety Day – at Clinton School – hosted by RWNZ Clinton branch.
 
21 October – Heddon Bush Branch 75th Jubilee lunch .  12 noon at Heddon Bush Hall, $30. 
 
25 October – Taste of Tarras Tour – A self drive tour to visit our stunning local vineyards for wine tasting and Ardgour Olive Oil.  Enjoy a Tarras Game BBQ or picnic lunch boxes.  Quality art works and craft stalls.  Baking, plants and produce.  Tickets $15.  Organised by Tarras RWNZ.  Contact Billee (03) 445 2266 or email billee@paradise.net.nz.  
 
30 October – Waikato International Day of Rural Women Event – Natural Fibres Expo – At Claudelands Event Centre.  Exhibitors sought.  Contact Carolyn Freeman (07) 824 6672, email c.freeman@clear.net.nz.  
 
23 October  - Rural School Safety Day - at Catlins Area School, Owaka – hosted by RWNZ Tahatiki branch.
 
27 October – Rural School Safety Day – at Maheno School, hosted by Kauru Hill and Maheno branch.
 
30 October – Rural School Safety Day – at Strath Taieri School, Middlemarch – hosted by Middlemarch branch.
 
31 October – Experience Kakahu – a full day event with three lovely garden walks, refreshments and exhibitions at the Kakahu School Hall, hosted by Kakahu Branch with stalls and entertainment.  Beautiful gardens, scenic countryside, South Canterbury hospitality. 
 
5-6 November – Otewa Branch Craft Fair – 9am to 4pm at Otorohanga Club.  Stalls available for hire. 
 
7 November – Beaumont Big Day Out – Stone walling; paper craft, cards and star book; top stitch your quilt;  cooking using a wok; how to get the most from your GPS and more.  Registration $20 plus some courses have an extra cost. 

18 - 20 November: Strategic Planning  - BNZ Partners Growth Programme workshop Venue: Taupo Time:  6.00 pm 18 November - 3.30 pm 20 November (2 day, 2 night conference)

Details: Planning for the results you want! Do you know where you want your business to be, but are unsure how to get there? Together we will look at how you currently operate your business, and the plans you need to put in place to realise your vision. Registration information and costs:  - contact Vikki Vidmar.

ends
 
 
 

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