Rural Women New Zealand National Conference – Christchurch 23-26 May 2013
See the Draft programme here
The Student Volunteer Army’s Sam Johnson and Helen Heddell, Farmy Army catering co-ordinator extraordinaire, will give a unique perspective on the Canterbury earthquakes as guest speakers at the Rural Women New Zealand national conference being held at The Chateau on the Park in Christchurch from 23 to 26 May.
It will be an opportunity for 200 Rural Women NZ members from around the country to look ahead as they focus on the conference theme ‘The Future’s Bright – Inspire a Generation’.
“We are looking forward to coming to Christchurch, and are starting off with a bus tour to get a better perspective of the issues the city is facing,” says national president Liz Evans.
“It will be a chance to see first-hand the effects of the earthquakes and the innovation and resilience of Cantabrians as they rebuild their lives.”
The Land and Water Forum will be the focus of a Water Seminar being held on the first day of conference, with panelists Prof Jenny Webster-Brown from University of Canterbury’s Waterways Centre for Freshwater Management, David Caygill of Environment Canterbury, Green MP Eugenie Sage and Federated Farmers’ grain and seed chair Ian McKenzie.
“The focus will be on drought preparedness, water storage and irrigation systems, which are not only topical, but also tie in with the UN International Year of Water Co-operation 2013.”
Christchurch Mayor Bob Parker and Hon. Jo Goodhew, Minister of Women’s Affairs and Associate Minister of Primary Industries, will be official guests at the conference opening ceremony.
“Then Peri Drysdale of Untouched World will set the scene for our Enterprising Rural Women Awards ceremony. She will talk about her journey to success, from a nurse who didn’t know the difference between an invoice and a statement to a New Zealand fashion and sportswear brand icon.”
The suspense will build as our four category finalists in the Enterprising Rural Women Awards 2013 give short presentations about their businesses, before the Supreme Winner is announced.
The Rural Women New Zealand national conference is always an opportunity to learn something new, be inspired and re-kindle friendships.
Workshops sessions will focus on technology, local body elections and the future focus of the organisation.Social functions will include a Camelot-themed medieval festival and a gala dinner with guest speaker Leona Dargis, a visiting Nuffield scholar from Alberta, Canada, who’ll be sharing her enthusiasm for the agricultural sector.
We are grateful to all our sponsor partners, and in particular Telecom, Fly Buys, Animal Health Board, Chorus, NZ Post, Agrisea and Access Homehealth Ltd.
For registrations contact national office (04) 473 5524, or a registration form is available in the Members’ Only area of this website.
