i n this is s u e . . .

• New! Enterprising Rural Woman Award 2009

• School Transport Safety campaign

• National Conference pix

• GPS on horseback

OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF RURAL WOMEN NEW ZEALAND • ISSUE No.2 June 2008

RWNZ presents jumbo cheque for Leptospirosis

Researchers from Massey University had been warned
about the strength of Rural Women New Zealand, but were
quite unprepared for the $87,500 cheque presented to them
at our National Conference, following RWNZ’s year-long
fundraising campaign for leptospirosis research.
“I apologise for under-estimating you,” said Assoc. Prof.
Cord Heuer, adding that he and Dr Jackie Benschop were
‘absolutely overwhelmed’. He expressed his heartfelt thanks
to all those who had contributed to the campaign.
The funds raised will enable Massey’s EpiCentre team
to employ a full time PhD student to conduct further
research into leptospirosis - New Zealand’s most
prevalent occupationally acquired disease - which is
passed on to humans from bacteria shed in the urine of President Margaret Chapman and Past President Sherrill Dackers
infected animals. flank Assoc. Prof. Cord Heuer and Dr Jackie Benschop at the
Recent studies have shown that sheep, beef cattle and presentation of RWNZ’s lepto cheque
deer pose more of a risk in passing on the disease to
humans than previously thought. is also applying for further funding from the Sustainable
One study showed seventy percent of beef herds are Farming Fund.
infected, with every second animal testing positive. Eighty Earlier research by Massey University into leptospirosis
percent of deer herds also tested positive for lepto with an funded by Rural Women New Zealand (Women’s
equally high number of animals being positive. Division Federated Farmers) in the 1970s and 1980s led
“If you translate that into shedding, about every fifth to the development of vaccines for dairy cattle, leading to
animal is shedding leptospira,”said Heuer. “There is a huge a huge decline in the number of reported cases amongst
amount of shedding of this organism in rural areas.” dairy workers.
While meat workers are now heavily protected from Rural Women New Zealand’s leptospirosis fundraising
exposure to the disease during their work, farmers, vets campaign was re-launched at our 2007 National
and service personnel working in other areas may be Conference by past-President Sherrill Dackers, following
extremely exposed, he said. news that a meat worker had died from the disease.
The economic viability of vaccinating sheep, beef and deer During the year RWNZ branches throughout the country
will form part of Massey’s future studies into the disease, have held many fundraising events including raffles, quiz
along with further research into transmission pathways. nights, fashion parades, garage sales, garden parties,
cooking demonstrations and coin trails.
The backing of Rural Women New Zealand has helped
attract other contributors to the research project Members have also handed out hundreds of information
including the Alma Baker Trust, the New Zealand sheets and held community information evenings
Veterinary Association, three veterinary pharmaceutical involving doctors and veterinarians to raise awareness
companies, William Barlow Fund, Wairarapa Veterinary about the disease and how to limit exposure to it. Our
Club and the Ministry of Education through Massey key messages are to wear protective gear, vaccinate stock
University, raising total funds to over $400,000. Massey and control rodents, which may carry the disease.

Strengthening Rural Communities Page 1

feature Editorial Concerning Rural Health ...
Rural Women New Zealand welcomes news of an extra $79
- by Margaret Chapman million funding in the recent Budget to improve child and
National Conference was a adolescent oral health services.
wonderful chance to challenge,
At our recent National Conference, North Auckland members
motivate and inform attendees
on all matters concerning expressed grave concern about the lack of dental services in the
Rural Women New Zealand district. Members in other rural areas have also written to tell
and about issues affecting us of children who have not been seen by a dental therapist
rural communities. I hope all for over a year, and of parents having to drive long distances
went home with a passion to access services in town.
and really enthused to make a
One school principal says“the school dental service has been
difference in their own patch
stretched to the limit and the result for primary school children
to make RWNZ the ‘must
join’ organisation for all rural has been decayed teeth and repair work that is becoming
women. We ARE needed and major dental work instead of being fixed at an early stage. It
we MUST be there to speak out on issues that affect appears to be the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff scenario
rural families and communities. once again.”
A revised Manifesto was re-launched at the National Rural Women New Zealand has written to the Director-
Conference. This is a high level document which outlines our General of Health citing examples of the problems being
policy stance on our four portfolio areas of education, health, experienced and asking for further information on how the
land use and social. This will be a very good tool to use later $79 million Budget boost will be spent.
this year when discussing issues with candidates hoping to be
elected to Parliament. Prospective politicians need to be aware We also welcome the announcement of funding for a further
that while the population of those living in rural communities 26 second year medical students to have the opportunity to
may be less than 16% this does not mean we should be experience a training rotation of three months in rural practice,
unfairly disadvantaged, especially given our contribution to which will hopefully provide encouragement for them to
the national economy. consider rural medicine as a career.
Just imagine if all candidates were confronted by an RWNZ
member wielding a Manifesto and asking the hard questions Post-Breast Cancer Mammography
about their knowledge of rural issues and their stance on these Concern was raised at National Conference that a
issues – they would soon take notice. We would be a force to woman had been required to pay for mammography
be reckoned with. Copies of the Manifesto are available from
following treatment for breast cancer by one DHB.
national office.
This has been followed up by Sherrill Dackers, our
It was also wonderful to be able to present a cheque for $87,500
representative on the screening consumer reference
on behalf of Rural Women New Zealand members to Dr Jackie
Benschop and Assoc. Prof. Cord Heuer of Massey University’s group, who has provided the following clarification:
EpiCentre Unit for the ongoing research into leptospirosis. - Mammography within the first five years of a breast
I don’t think anyone envisaged when the project was cancer diagnosis is covered by the community
announced at National Conference 2006 in Rotorua that we radiology service specification, a publicly funded,
would be able to raise that amount of money in twelve months. DHB-based service, which is administered
Congratulations to everyone for such a magnificent effort. individually by each DHB.
Massey University has indicated it will not deduct its usual - DHBs cannot opt out of providing services under
20% fee for administration from the donation, and the full these community service specifications
amount will go towards research. RWNZ members will be
kept informed of the progress of the research. - Some DHBs choose to subcontract (and therefore
Our new national award, the Rural Women New Zealand fund) these services through a private radiology
Enterprising Rural Women Award is an exciting new initiative provider, but this doesn’t alter the fact that the
sponsored by BNZ. In launching this award, RWNZ is keen to service remains free to the women accessing it.
support and encourage small rural businesses and to celebrate
- Asymptomatic women become eligible to rejoin the
the success of rural women entrepreneurs.
breast screening programme five years post diagnosis.
We belong to a wonderful organisation, an organisation that
has had a strong voice working for 83 years for sustainable Call for Prostate Screening
rural communities.
Not forgetting our menfolk, Rural Women New Zealand has also
A challenge I threw out to members at conference was that written to the Minister of Health asking for free prostate screening
if every one of our existing members went out and found one every two years for men over the age of 45 and a national register
new member this year we would have 8000 members. If we to be set up. This call to action is a result of a remit passed at
did the same next year we would have 16,000 and in three National Conference.
years we would have 32,000. Sounds quite achievable doesn’t
it, when broken down like that and just think what a force to The Ministry of Health’s current policy does not support screening
be reckoned with we would be then! for prostate cancer.

Page 2 Strengthening Rural Communities

Wanted! Passionate rural women entrepreneurs

issues
Amid great fanfare Rural Women New Zealand launched an The second runner-
exciting new Enterprising Rural Woman Award during our up will receive $500
National Conference in Blenheim. worth of marketing
The Rural Women New Zealand Enterprising Rural Woman from a company of their
Award 2009 will be presented to an outstanding rural choice.
businesswoman running her own enterprise. “This is also a great
“If you have taken an innovative idea and made it work and opportunity for rural
are passionate about your business, you could be our first women entrepreneurs
Enterprising Rural Woman Award winner” said National to gain media exposure
President, Margaret Chapman. for their businesses,
and the finalists will
Amber Quinnell,
have the right to use
Marketing Manager
the award logo on their
of chief Award
promotional material and stationery for one year,”
sponsor BNZ with
says Margaret Chapman.
RWNZ National
President Margaret Rural Women New Zealand would like to thank
Chapman at our major award sponsor, Bank of New Zealand, along with
the launch of the Access Homehealth Limited, Propaganda, Precise Print &
Enterprising Rural Design, TGM Design and Rural News Group.
Wo m a n A w a rd We urge our members to promote this award amongst friends
2009 and acquaintances who are running small businesses in their
homes, on their farms or in retail or commercial premises.
In launching this award Rural Women New Zealand is keen To enter, the business must have been operating for two
to support and encourage small rural businesses and celebrate years, be based in a rural area and have less than 10 full-time
the success of rural women entrepreneurs. equivalent staff.
“The award puts into action our aim of strengthening rural Entries close 16 February 2009. Finalists will be notified by 16
communities, as well as offering great opportunities to promote March 2009 and interviewed by a judging panel in April 2009
Rural Women New Zealand,” says Margaret Chapman. prior to a winner being chosen.
The three award finalists will be presented with their prizes Promotional flyers for the award are available from RWNZ’s
at a high profile ceremony to be held in the Grand Hall of national office. Entry forms and information sheets can be
Parliament on 15 May 2009, in conjunction with our next downloaded from our website www.ruralwomen.org or by
National Conference. ringing 0800 2 JOIN RWNZ (0800 256 467).
The winner of the inaugural Enterprising Rural Woman Award
2009 will receive $1500 prize money, the opportunity to attend School Transport Safety Campaign
a BNZ Women in Agribusiness course and a trophy. The first Rural Women New Zealand is continuing its campaign to
runner-up will receive $500 in prize money and $500 in printing improve the safety of rural children travelling to and from
or design work from Precise Print & Design, Paraparaumu. school. We have written to Transport Safety Ministery, Harry
Duynhoven calling for a reduction in the speed limits outside
schools between 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm,
Star questions for three hour stroke window following strong support for the
idea at National Conference.
Fast recognition of
We are also continuing our
a stroke can mean a push for a nationwide campaign
much better outcome to increase awareness and
for victims, as getting enforcement of the 20kph speed
medical help within the limit when passing a stationary
first three hours is crucial school bus in either direction.
to reversing its effects. Rural Women New Zealand is organising a meeting of
stakeholders such as Land Transport New Zealand, School
Here are three simple
Trustees, Bus and Coach Association, SafeKids, ACC and others
steps to help with stroke identification known as ‘STaR’.
to find practical solutions and ways of implementing them.
S - Smile - Ask the individual to smile; We are also talking with Total Span, a company which launched
T - Talk - Ask the person to speak a simple sentence; a project at the Fieldays to set up partnerships with rural
R - Ask him or her to raise both arms. communities to erect bus shelters for the safety and comfort
If he/she has trouble with any one of these call 111 of bus passengers. “This is an exciting project and we are
immediately. keen to see how we can work together for the benefit of rural
communities,”says RWNZ Executive Officer, Noeline Holt.

Strengthening Rural Communities Page 3

feature National Conference 2009
Wow! What an amazing conference with something for
everyone. The launch of our exciting new award, a hilarious
celebrity debate, a let-your-hair-down Kiwiana dinner,
our jumbo lepto cheque presentation, stirring speakers,
supportive sponsors, serious stuff, fun stuff and even hot stuff
- (no, not ‘Cheeky’ Hobson - but a fire alarm that turned out
to be the real thing)

Page 4 Strengthening Rural Communities

Goosey Goosey Fantastic Fundraisers

our people
Unstoppable RWNZ members continue their strong
The drought took a break during record of supporting rural communities through
the recent RaiValley A&P Show, fundraising efforts.
but the much needed rain didn’t
dampen the spirits of RWNZ
Rai Valley branch members
as they held their inaugural
Smallholders Auction.
Following good pre-show
publicity, 50 auction lots
were received ranging from
Highland cattle to turkeys,
peacocks, chickens, ducks,
.
rabbits and geese. The
North Auckland Provincial Executive recently gave
puppies and a miniature $5,000 to the Bay of Islands hospice. Presenting
Diane Payton, Rai Valley Branch pony were hotly contested by
the cheque to the hospice Treasurer is Provincial
President bidders, though the pigs and President, Judy Nesbit pictured above with past
sheep proved less popular. The Rai Valley women are already Provincial President Marilyn Hutchings and
planning their next auction for 2008. Provincial Treasurer Val Driver.
Our leptospirosis fundraising efforts received a
Finding and keeping ‘Point Three’ of big push leading up to the cheque presentation
a teacher an impossible task to Massey University at National Conference. In
Southland, Hedgehope, Makarewa, Dacre and Rimu
The urgency of RWNZ’s call for the Minister of Education to
branches joined Woodlands branch which hosted a
fund two teachers in all rural schools was underlined at our
Light Lunch and Learn to Bowl afternoon at the Woodlands
National Conference when parent Monique Godsiff told of Bowling Club, while Central Taranaki branches held a quiz
the problems facing Waitaria Bay school, the most isolated night. Great support from local businesses ensured the 29
school on mainland New Zealand. teams were in to win a wide range of prizes and raffles.
“The problem, in short, is that the school is allocated 1.5 days South Otago Provincial produced a beautiful calendar
a week in release teaching funding but cannot use this because featuring pictures by Tahatika member and photographer
teachers are not prepared to drive five hours on uncomfortable Angela Wylie to raise funds to send members to conference, as
windy, narrow and partly unsealed roads, and accommodate well as promoting RWNZ. Such was the success of the calendar
themselves for a night, just to work for 1.5 days.” that Tahatika branch is planning another for 2009 which will
be on sale in time for World Rural Women’s Day in October.
Over the last three years seven teachers have tried and all
have resigned. This has had very serious implications for the Party games, quizes and scrumptious lunches provided by
Murchison members to other members and friends have
principal and the Board
been a fun and painless way to help a good cause, says
of Trustees. The last two
Shirley Blakemore of Murchison Branch. The group recently
permanent principals presented a cheque for $1,000 to the Nelson Region Hospice.
have left through The money will be used to buy four light-weight wheelchairs
wo r k l o a d p re s s u re s for patients.
and the Board is facing
ongoing employment
issues due to the lack of
teaching support.
“Having a sole charge
principal isolated and
alone leaves the children
Waitaria Bay pupils and sole charge vulnerable in the event
principal Odette Roper of intrusion, accident or
sudden sickness. Our
extreme isolation renders a full time role, enabling the teacher
to live in the area, the only practical solution,” says Monique.
Waitaria Bay is one of about 100 sole charge schools in New
Zealand that receive funding for 1.3 teachers. The Rural
Education Reference Group, chaired by Jacky Stafford of RWNZ
continues to press the case for two teachers at all rural schools Members from Franklin, Rodney and Kaipara gathered at the
with the Minister of Education. Auckland Botanic Gardens in early April to help the Franklin
members celebrate the 59th birthday of their district.

Strengthening Rural Communities Page 5

feature welcome to new members Queen’s Birthday Honours
Ann Robertson - Cromwell
Congratulations to members who were recognised in the
Jill Saxton - Tokaora-Inaha recent Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Margaret Cottier, Jenny Stewart - Amuri Dinner Group Helen Algar of Oamaru received a Queen’s Service Medal
Lisa Dovey, Tracy Wells, Fumiko Green, Mirka Langford,
for services to health and disability issues. Helen Gordon of
Joanne Haldane, Dot Rapley, Shelley Palmer - Bainham
Carol Budden - Okoki
Taihape received a Queen’s Service Medal for services to music
Margaret Welch - Hurford-Omata-Oakura and Dr Olive Webb of Hororata was appointed an Officer of
Muriel Grant - Hazelburn the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to people with
Melva Robb and Verla Smith - Pelorua Sounds intellectual disabilities.
Mieke Witehira, Helen McDonald, Sherry Thurlow, Tanya Bell
- Macraes-Dunback
Janet Callaghan, Frances Wilcock - Rukuhia
Emma Lannigan - Rai Valley
Helen Arbon - Individual
Ali McQuaig, Norelle Shanks, Sam Titter - Meremere/Ohangai
Marion Wilson - Middlemarch
Diane Smith - All Points
Bertha Newman - Pakawau
Anne Heeringa - Maheno
Angela Brown, Judy Borland, Nola Berney, Robyn Watson,
Leigh Gleeson, June Goes, Lisa Drinkwater - Pukeatua
Kathy Harris - Pokuru
Fleur Julian - Arohena
Dorothy McGuire - Doubtless Bay
Susan Finlayson, Liz Cates, Corlette Melsen, Jane Firth-
McMahon, Caroline Ross, Janice Mills, Chanel Savage Jocelyn
Cotton - Martinborough
Pictured above is RWNZ Past President Sherrill Dackers during
her recent investiture as a Member of the New Zealand Order
farewell to old friends of Merit which was announced in the New Year’s Honours.
Mary Robb - Kapuka-Mokotua With Sherrill is (l to r) Gordon Dackers, His Excellency Anand
Pearl Jones - Poatiri Satyanand, Her Excellency Susan Satyanand, Waine Dackers
Jean Putt - Hurford-Omata-Oakura and Richard Dackers.
Norma Crawford - Hazelburn
Zoe McLean - Te Kauwhata Congratulations also to Nancy Riddick who received a Citizens
Jean Aitken - Oamaru Award for ‘service simply given’ in the community, reflecting an
Judith Sturrock - Oruanui-Taupo immense amount of voluntary work over many years. Hawera
Audrey Meuli - Meremere/Ohangai
Branch says it is very proud of its very hard working President.
Joan Bradey - Otewa
Nan Haden-Morris, Gladys Jellyman - Brightwater
Betty Eyre - Mangatangi RWNZ Bursaries Awarded
Freda Brightwell - Bonny Glen-South Makirikiri Congratulations to the following who have recently received
Joan Begg, Lois Gutberlet, Marjorie McLennan - Greymouth RWNZ bursaries:
Jessie Wills - Oamaru Evening Branch Tertiary bursaries:
Dorrie Hunter - Maheno Jesse Hutchings - Northland
Evelyn Jones - Hedgehope Carissa Thorne - Nelson
Nella Sears - Riverton Nicola Priest - Hikurangi
Hazel Collier - Rangiwaea
Education Fund:
Phillip Dobson - Invercargill
honours board Nicki McCormack - Stratford
Susan Wells - Waihi
Branch Life Membership
Text Book and Resource Grants:
Nancy Riddick - Hawera Melanie Allen - Hornby
Kathleen Banks - Mangatangi Jessica Fry - Motueka
Alayne Hewitson - Rimu Amanda Gilchrist - Kaiapoi
Joyce Orr - Midhirst Olivia Stewart - North Canterbury
Dayle Gibson - North Canterbury
Provincial Bar of Honour
Obituary
Elwyn Ford, Margaret Vickers - Central Taranaki Hazel Collier was a foundation member of the Rangiwaea
Branch of WDFF and an enthusiastic participant for 53 years,
Provincial Life Member becoming a Life Member in 1997. She held office as branch
Margaret Buckthought, Vivienne Grigg - Central Taranaki President and Secretary, and attended Provincial meetings
and conferences with great enthusiasm. In earlier years she
was also involved in the branch’s annual flower show as an
organiser and competitor.

Page 6 Strengthening Rural Communities

 RWNZ’s 20 years involvement

our people
Books Galore
In collaboration with The Waikato with Life Education Trusts
Times, Fieldays covers the history of
the phenomenon that is the Fieldays. Rural Women New Zealand congratulates the Life
It looks at the origins, how it evolved, Education Trust as it celebrates 20 years of operation
key players, Royal family involvement, in New Zealand delivering programmes to young
competitions, inventions, themes, people that encourage healthy living and respect for
international growth/exposure, rural the environment and others.
bachelor competition, AgArt wear, Rural Women New
economic benefits, the organisation Zealand has been
today and the future. Written by Susan involved with Life
Pepperell, Assistant Editor at The Education Trusts
Waikato Times, and full of excellent since the beginning
photographs taken by Waikato Times photographers, this is when NZ founder
a lively memento of an important institution in the farming Trevor Grice was
calendar. travelling through
the country
Cooking Times by Kate Fraser takes speaking with
readers on a culinary journey through Kiwi community groups
kitchens from the 1930s to the present day. to raise support for
The recipes are true to the decade and are the concept.
accompanied by anecdotes from the kitchens
of engaging fictitious characters, giving a The late Jean Sargent,
fascinating retrospective on our culinary a WDFF member
Cromwell Vice President, Helen
traditions. from Hurunui
Irwin presents a copy of Trevor immediately saw
Grice and Tom Scott’s book The that our organisation could
While Australians and New Zealanders
Great Brain Robbery to a local be a catalyst for encouraging
have long debated the sticky issue of which
librarian community support.
country invented this dessert The Pavlova
Story by Helen Leach tells the story of The Southland LET Community Trust was soon formed with
the evolution of the three pavlova types, Barbara MacKay as the educator. A teacher and farmer’s wife,
and the creative and innovative cooks who Barbara became a familiar sight as she drove the large mobile
have played the most important roles in classroom from school to school, with her little car towed
transforming a fashionable afternoon tea cake behind. Barbara was the Southland educator for 17 years and
into an iconic dish. The book includes 12 is a ‘legend’ within the organisation.
classic pavlova recipes revised and illustrated In the last 20 years the Life Education programme has
by Leach’s sister Mary Browne. grown. There are now 36 community trusts with 41 educators
Rita Angus (1908–70) was one of New Zealand’s most loved delivering classes at 1,264 primary and intermediate schools
and respected artists, but until now, Angus’s to over 220,000 children.
life has remained a mystery. In Rita Angus Rural Women New Zealand branches
- An Artists’s Life, Jill Trevelyan paints have continued to make regular
a vivid picture of Rita Angus the person – donations to Life Education trusts,
curious and forthright, staunchly pacifist and while individual members have
feminist, and wholly dedicated to her art. served as trustees.
Stunning artworks, personal photographs, and One such trustee is RWNZ past
insightful letters help bring Angus’ colourful president Jeanette McIntyre who
story to life. served on the Southland Community
Life Education Trust for 10 years.
We have two copies of The Pavlova Story and one copy of For the last eight years she has been
Cooking Times, Fieldays and Rita Angus to give away. To go in a trustee of the Heartland Otago/
the draw write your name and address on the back of an envelope, Southland Life Education Trust.
stating your preferred book and post to RWNZ, PO Box 12-021, Jeanette McIntyre MBE
Wellington.
A Place in the Sun? Stay at Harris Cottage
Congratulations to Ruth Thompson, Janice Smith, Joan van Asch Would you like an affordable winter break? RWNZ’s Harris
and Lynn Hill, winners of our March issue book draws. Cottage on the Whangaparaoa Peninsula north of Auckland
is an ideal place to go. There are eight beaches close by, two
It’s always nice to have a book or author recommended. A regional parks, a leisure centre and numerous restaurants.
group of Franklin District members have enjoyed one author so Buses for Orewa, Auckland and Waiwera stop at the gate.Visit
much that they have penned a letter to Rural Women endorsing the Orewa hotpools or Kawau Island. Go to our website to
the books of Rachael Treasure. “If your library has not yet check out the very reasonable rates or for bookings contact
purchased Jillaroo, The Stockmen or the Rouseabout agitate until Fay Keane (09) 428 0471. The cottage is also available to
it does!” they say. non-members.

Strengthening Rural Communities Page 7

Women in Farming But the day wasn’t all work. The women enjoyed a shared lunch,
contributed to Rural Women New Zealand’s leptopsirosis fund

Having a field day

with a raffle of a painting donated by branch member Isobel
Salter and got creative writing a caption for a photo of Peri
Spence’s naughty miniature pony Henry being shod, lying
on his back with all four legs in the air. The winner - ‘I’m All
Yours!’

GPS on horseback

Rural Women New Zealand branches looking to the future

could take the lead from a long established group on the Otago
Peninsula. Poatiri branch recently set up a Women in Farming
group under its umbrella to provide educational and support
opportunities for a range of farm related issues.
“As more women of all ages become interested in lifestyle farming
and rural issues, we see a great benefit in sharing the experience of
Ten King Country Women in Farming group members set
established Rural Women members,”says Poatiri member Quentin
off on horseback and ATV recently on Sioux Anich’s farm
Furlong. “ This encourages a diversity of membership.”
to discover more about the use of GPS technology and its
The Women in Farming members recently held their first field day
application on the farm.
at the Pukehiki Hall on the Otago Peninsula. It was a day packed
with great speakers, hands on learning and the chance for women They took a grid reference and elevation reading before
to network and devise smarter ways of acting co-operatively. setting out, with further readings along the way. The group
By the end of the day the group had worked out a plan for stopped for lunch under the cliffs at the back of the farm
working together to send faecal samples for egg counts to before heading through picturesque native bush and back
determine drenching needs, for sharing antibiotics and vaccine to the start.
packs as required, and scheduling the vet for ‘group’ visits to
the community which will be smarter and more economical for En route the women learned of the many uses of GPS around
everyone, as well as insuring optimum animal health. the farm and in the bush. Locations on a GPS can show either
First up retired stock agent Dave Ross and rural support latitude and longitude or New Zealand grid references.
co-ordinator Irene Scurr, pictured above, talked about stock
“This is useful for rescue operations and also for hunters in
selection and management. With sheep the prime focus, Dave
and Irene ran through health issues such as footrot and fly bush areas where landmarks are not visible,” says convenor
strike, pasture issues from fencing to weed control and use of Jo Walker. “Distance can also be measured, by leaving the
fertilisers, and how to work out your individual needs based unit turned on as you move from one point to the next. This
on lifestyle preferences, property type and conditions. is great for calculating the length of fences or pipelines and
The women then got up close and personal with a variety of the posts, wire or pipe needed.”
sheep penned up in temporary yards nearby, while Dave and Elevation is useful to determine the slope of a track or the
Irene covered lambing and weaning issues, conformation faults
fall from a water collection point to the site of a trough. By
and what to look for in a ‘meat’ breed.
taking GPS points around a paddock you can also work out
Later Carol Adams of Agriculture New Zealand ran through the area, which is useful for calculating seed and fertilizer
training programmes on offer including chainsaw use, ATV
requirements and when set stocking ewes for lambing.
basics and horticulture. Carol will be joining the Poatiri group
and helping members to tap in to some of these programmes. And if you need to return to specific locations such as bait
Veterinarian Paul Evans gave an overview of stock health issues, stations or a soil sampling site that you wish to test in
covering questions on current thinking about parasite and future years for comparison purposes, you can record these
pasture management strategies and vaccination timetables. important GPS points.

Official Journal of Rural Women New Zealand • PO Box 12021, Wellington • Tel 04 473 5524 • Fax 04 472 8946

Email [email protected] • www.ruralwomen.org • ISSN no 1171-4425

Editor: Head Office, PO Box 12021 Wellington • Printer: Precise Print & Design, Paraparaumu

Page 8 Strengthening Rural Communities