Latest news with #RWNZ
Scoop
29-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
New Farm Safety Approach Reflects Rural Realities
Consultation on proposed changes to on-farm health and safety rules recognise what rural families have been saying for years – farms are not just workplaces, they are homes and family businesses too. 'The Government's review reflects the real lives of many rural families and the fact the farm is a home where children grow up immersed in the rhythms and responsibilities of farming life,' says Rural Women New Zealand National President Sandra Matthews. Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) has consistently argued that health and safety frameworks must be developed in consultation with rural communities to ensure they reflect the realities of life on the farm. 'It is critical that rural voices are at the forefront of farming safety, so we are particularly pleased to see the Government's commitment to consult farmers directly and have industry groups work alongside WorkSafe to develop new codes of practice,' Matthews says. 'Reforms that clearly define the role of children on farm are essential to strike the right balance between common sense, keeping children safe and preserving the valuable learning experiences that come from being involved in farm life. They will also provide confidence to farming parents.' RWNZ also supports continued restrictions on higher-risk tasks without supervision and welcomes the shift toward a more flexible and context-aware regulatory framework, particularly the new model where compliance with Approved Codes of Practice (ACOPs) can demonstrate that health and safety duties are being met. 'Rural women, who often juggle roles as caregivers, farmers and business operators, have long understood that farms are both a business and a family home,' Matthews says. 'It is impossible to divorce the two and the Government's reforms appropriately recognise this.'
Scoop
21-07-2025
- General
- Scoop
Rural Women New Zealand 100 Years Of Service
Past, Present and Future - The Rural Women New Zealand Centennial year For 100 years RWNZ, originally Women's Division of the Farmers Union, has been a force to reckon with, sometimes quietly and humbly, and sometimes with an audacious display of courage and lateral thinking. Always though, for the benefit of rural women and rural communities right across Aotearoa. New Zealand. As it marks 100 years of existence this year, and celebrates its Centennial, it will be stepping up its work to meet the needs of the next generation of rural women. It will be there to advocate; for health access and services, for connectivity, for safer rural roads, for education for rural students, for those areas where rural women and their communities are not as well served as their urban counterparts. Without the contribution of RWNZ the rural environment would look vastly different today. Not long after forming in 1925 the lack of access to health for rural communities led to the development of a programme where Bush Nurses on horse-back provided health care to remote areas. The organisation went on to create incredible health progammes through the decades. A legacy can be seen in the likes of Access Community Health, still providing services across the country today. In the 1940s members wanted to support the war effort. Within a month they'd raised 5,000 pounds to buy a Spitfire, the equivalent of around $630,000 in today's money. That energy and innovation is a recurring theme. In the early 80's members took to the streets and to the steps of Parliament to protest government reforms. Today, as well as advocacy, activities continue to include community fundraising, volunteering, business development, and generally getting stuck in when it's needed, including during adverse events. For 100 years Rural Women New Zealand has made a massive contribution to New Zealand, and they're not stopping.
Scoop
16-06-2025
- Health
- Scoop
HRT Patches Decision Important For Rural Women
Pharmac's decision to fund both Estradiol TDP Mylan and Estradot hormone replacement (HRT) patches is an important outcome for rural women, says Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ). 'This is a meaningful decision for women, including many in rural areas, concerned about losing access to the menopause treatment that works best for them,' says National President Sandra Matthews. 'Every woman's experience of menopause is different. The initial decision to fund only one brand of patches left many women feeling unsupported and ignored. It is encouraging to see Pharmac listening to public feedback and responding with a more inclusive approach that restores choice to women managing menopause.' It is slightly disappointing, however that due to ongoing supply constraints, Pharmac has not been able to extend dispensing quantities beyond monthly scripts. 'For rural women living far from pharmacies, accessing the patches they need monthly places a frequent burden on their time and travel,' says Matthews. 'We encourage Pharmac to keep working with suppliers to address these issues and improve equity of access for those in more remote parts of the country.'
