Sometimes it’s hard to know where to start. When you need a hand and aren’t sure where to turn, reach out to your ConnectHER.

What is ConnectHER?

It can be challenging to access face-to-face services in rural communities. Distance from larger towns and cities, and poor connectivity, often compound the issue. The ConnectHER programme aims to overcome some of these challenges by connecting women and families in need with the most appropriate service provider.

The ConnectHER initiative is funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) to help rural communities better connect with government and non-government services and is being trialled in the Wairoa/East Coast and Southland regions.

ConnectHERs are trusted women working in New Zealand’s rural communities. They have strong connections with local networks and can guide rural women to the right support services. Whether they need information, or just someone to listen and understand what is happening, they are here to help.

ConnectHER is a dedicated person who can provide connections for questions on women’s health, education, financial advice, family harm, child and young person’s issues.

ConnectHERs are not an app or a distant office — ConnectHERs know their areas and are active in their communities. For free, useful information about who can help, contact your local ConnectHER. Our ConnectHERs are now supporting communities in Wairoa / East Coast and Southland.

Meet our Wairoa / East Coast ConnectHER: Sue

Sue and her family live near Wairoa. Sue is heavily involved in her community and has played pivotal roles in coordinating relief following adverse events and working with affected families as her region leans into adapting to social, economic and environmental change.

Contact Sue:

email: connectHER.R5@ruralwomennz.nz

Tel: 027 376 1768, or 0800 256 468

Meet our Southland ConnectHER: Victoria

Victoria grew up on a farm in Eastern Southland and now lives near Invercargill. Her experience covers the provision of women’s health services, research and equity projects.

Contact Victoria:

email: connectHER.R1@ruralwomennz.nz

Tel: 0800 256 469 or M: 027 390 6155

• Call the ConnectHER, or email anytime with your questions. We will take the time to listen and understand your issues.

• We will provide you with information about the best agencies and services to help you. Together, we can get you in front of the people who can best help.

• If you want, we will follow up with you to check in to see what’s happened if there’s anything else that needs to be done.

• If you know of a woman in your rural community who may need support, encourage her to give us a call. ConnectHER is a service powered by Rural Women New Zealand with funding from the Ministry for Primary Industries.