A hundred years of connection. Rural Women New Zealand are our daughters, mothers, friends, business owners, volunteers, and problem solvers.
Meet Sue Wilson, one of the women helping to shape the future of the Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ)and redefining what it means to be a rural woman in Aotearoa.
Rural women have always been the backbone of our communities; the ones people turn to in times of need. For these women, when they are in need, there is one organisation they can turn to: RWNZ. Its mission over the last century is to give support, connection, and voice to rural women, their families, and communities. Now, in its second century, RWNZ's members are not just forging the familiar path of empowerment and connection, but cementing these values through programmes, such as ConnectHER and Activator.
A point of connection
Leading the North Island ConnectHER pilot, Sue Wilson of Wairoa knows the value of a community network. Growing up on a farm, Sue has always been heavily involved in different community groups, including Rural Women.
“I come from a long line of volunteers. I guess it is in our DNA. I find the work so rewarding,” she says.
Like many rural women, Sue wears many hats: wife, mother, volunteer, business owner. Sue runs SMW Designs + Events, a design and event management business, but it was her work in the community that earned her a Rural Women New Zealand Rural Champion award in 2020.
“No one does it alone. We all need a hand sometimes. It is amazing what a little support can do, and how much we learn from other people’s strengths and weaknesses!”
Working together
Sue is grateful to be part of RWNZ’s ConnectHER pilot.
“This is about connecting with our rural communities, including women and their whānau, to let them know about the multitude of services available to help them overcome any challenges,” she explains.
In small towns and villages, services are not readily available.
“We do not have a bank in Wairoa, but they do come to town on a fortnightly basis. Sometimes, helping is a simple as letting people know when the services are available.”
As it turns out, Sue’s love for the ConnectHER role is exactly why she joined RWNZ to begin with.
“Meeting like-minded people, exchanging ideas, and having fun. Plus, they do such great work, particularly in the advocacy space.”
PGG Wrightson proudly supports the vital work of Rural Women New Zealand through their Growing the County® programme.
